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Vaping is a widespread public health problem affecting youth as young as 12. Teens are more likely to vape due to several reasons, such as the portrayal of vapes in the media, easy accessibility, the perception that vaping is “harmless,” and the assortment of flavors offered [1].
Vaping can damage vital organs and increase the risk of long-term chronic health problems. It can also affect mood and brain function—increasing the risk of mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
Learn how to recognize the signs of vaping in teens and strategies to help them quit.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is a method of smoking that uses a small, hand-held device such as an e-cigarette or electronic vaporizer. These are battery-operated and work by heating a liquid known as “vape juice,” “e-liquid,” or “ Nic or Nicotine salt.” The liquid turns into a mist that can be inhaled, containing a blend of nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals that are often unregulated.
Vapes are small, portable, discreet, and disposable. They don’t create strong odors that linger like cigarettes and can easily be placed into a pocket, backpack, or pencil case. Teens are often attracted to vape advertising that includes branding with bright colors and flavors ranging from spearmint to gummy bears.
Although you must be 21 to purchase vapes in the United States, many teens buy them through peers at school, on social media, or at local gas stations that don’t check identification.
The Rates of Vaping Among Youth
According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, over 2.25 million teens reported using an e-cigarette or vape, and 26% of them reported using one daily. Although the rates of cigarette use have decreased over the past decade, the rates of vaping have increased [2].
According to the CDC [3]:
- 410,000 middle school students (12-14) currently vape
- 1.21 million high school students (14-18) currently vape
- 38.4% of teens who vape reported using it at least 20 of the last 30 days
- 26.3% of teens who vape report using it daily
- 63.9% of students who currently vape report wanting to quit
- 67.4% who currently use vapes reported trying to quit in the past year
Warning Signs of Vaping
It’s important to identify the warning signs of vaping in teens to provide early intervention and effective support. Some of the signs include:
- Finding empty vape cartridges or boxes in their room or belongings. Vapes can sometimes be difficult to recognize, resembling pens or USBs.
- Smelling minty, fruity, or sweet scents coming from their breath or clothes that may linger shortly after use.
- Shortness of breath or a chronic cough that is not explained by another medical condition, such as asthma, allergies, or the common cold.
- Vaping can dry out the mouth and nose, causing increased thirst, chapped lips, and nosebleeds.
- Nicotine can cause a sudden loss of appetite or unexplained stomach problems such as nausea or heartburn.
- Anxiety, aggression, or irritability, especially when they are craving nicotine and can’t access their vape, such as during class.
The Benefits of Quitting Vaping
Teens are naturally curious and appreciate clarity when it comes to explaining the risks of substance abuse. It’s important for them to understand the long-term benefits of how quitting vaping can improve their mental health and increase their overall quality of life.
Some of the benefits of quitting vaping include:
- Less anxiety, improved overall mood
- Better focus and memory retention
- Increased academic and sports performance
- Higher energy levels and easier to breathe
- Better oral health (lowers the risk of throat cancer, healthier-looking gums and smile)
- Healthier-looking skin (increases skin elasticity, reduces the risk of wrinkles, decreases acne breakouts)
- Saves money
How To Help Your Teen Quit Vaping
Over half of teens currently vaping have tried to quit in the past year. This highlights that although teens want to quit, they may lack the tools or support systems they need to do so.
Some of the ways you support your teen to quit vaping include:
- Understand why your teen vapes and why they started in the first place. Do their friends do it? Do they follow artists or social media creators who do it? Do they use it to cope with stress? Or improve their mood?
- Point out the dangers of vaping without being judgemental. Educate them on the science of how vaping can negatively affect their mental and physical health. Here are a few resources to help you start the conversation:
- Have them think about the monthly cost of vaping, which can often range from $50 to $150. Encourage them to use their money wisely, such as saving up for an activity or shopping day.
- Make sure they stay active, and encourage them to join extracurricular activities. Teens who are involved in sports are at a lower risk of developing a nicotine habit or other substance abuse problems [4].
- Remove temptation in the home. Help them get rid of old or current vapes, and make sure if there are other smokers in the home that their nicotine products aren’t accessible.
- Set boundaries and rules regarding nicotine use and make sure to follow through with them.
- Make sure you know who your teen is spending time with and where they are going after school or on the weekends. Let them know this isn’t to control them, just to ensure they are safe as they build their responsibility.
Teen Substance Abuse Treatment Available in Texas
At Clearfork Academy, our team of licensed mental health professionals understands the complex nature of substance abuse disorders in teens. We offer comprehensive treatments to help teens end their nicotine habit and build coping skills that increase their successful long-term recovery.
Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your teen.
Sources
[1] Why Youth Vape. 2024. CDC.
[2] Results from the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey. 2024. FDA.
[3] E-Cigarette Use Among Youth. 2024. CDC. [4] Adolescent Sports Participation, E-Cigarette Use, and Cigarette Smoking. 2017. National Library of Medicine.
Alumni Relations Manager
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
