We all are aware of the consequences of smoking one cigarette, let alone many. It degrades the very function of the lungs and increases the chances of developing cancer. Despite these side effects, people around the world are addicted to these death tubes filled with tobacco and nicotine. However, there is something that is worse than cigarettes and causes severe ill effects on an individual’s health – Juuling and Vaping.
Both the terms means almost the same but with a thin line of difference. While vaping refers to the inhalation of vapor (that contains nicotine) using an e-cigarette or a vaporizer, Juul is a brand name for a type of e-cigarette that holds over 40% of the total e-cigarette market. Basically, Juuling refers to using Juul as a method of vaping.
How is Vaping Different Than Smoking?
Cigarettes are considered a burned or combusted product where it has to be lit to burn tobacco and then inhale the smoke. Vaping, however, involves no burning or combustion and the aerosol to inhale is released by vaping products. Many people, including frequent smokers, mistake this aerosol to be as harmless as water vapors. The truth is far from this. Vapors released from e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that are linked to heart and respiratory diseases and even cancer.
The fancy concept of vaping was first introduced to the world in 2007 with devices such as vaping pens and e-cigarettes. These devices work on a rechargeable battery or are plugged in so that the heating component warms the e-liquid cartridge. It then releases aerosol which is inhaled by the smoker. These cartridges are promoted as health products with a variety of healthy flavors available, such as berries, mango, etc. These, however, are just for flavor and has no health benefits whatsoever.
The study says that these flavors are majorly responsible for manipulating kids into trying these products. What’s even worse, is that a majority of teens believe that the cartridges used in Juuls is free from nicotine and only contains water and flavoring. In reality, these products often contain even more nicotine than traditional cigarettes.
Why Is It So Famous Amongst Teens?
Vaping, unlike traditional cigarettes, does not release tar which roots a misconception amongst smokers that it is free from nicotine and is not as harmful as smoking a cigarette. However, in reality, it contains cancer-inducing substances and is known to procure breathing problems. But why are people, especially teens, so much into vaping? Here’s why:
Availability
The flavor for e-cigarettes is easily available and can be purchased online. Juuls and other vaping devices have certain restrictions and their sale to minors are restricted. However, it can be easily purchased online by simply ticking a box attesting you are well over 21. These relaxed rules make vaping devices easy to obtain.
Misbelief
With a common misbelief that it is safer than all the nicotine-containing products, vaping is popular amongst smokers. The truth is, use of Juuls or any other vaping device can end being more dangerous than the products containing nicotine.
The appearance of Vaping Devices
It is easy to hide e-cigarettes or a vaping pen in plain sight. The products look like a flash drive or a pen, making it easier to smoke anywhere, including places where it is strictly prohibited such as classrooms.
Observing
Most teens try vaping as they observe or see their friends, relatives, and family members doing the same. What starts as a mere curiosity soon turns into an addiction that is mixed with sheer ignorance of facts.
Vaping, Juuling, and Teens
Vaping has been around since 2007, however, the introduction of Juuling has changed the game for teens. The tempting flavors it offers, and a shape that makes it easy to conceal in one’s palm, encourage teens to fall for it. All this happens while the teacher and parents are clueless about it.
It is deemed dangerous for teens as well as adults. For the former, vaping can act as an introduction to tobacco/nicotine products at a very early age, which can misguide them to smoking or vaping addiction. For the latter, it can activate cancer cells and induce respiratory and heart problems. Vaping devices such as e-cigarettes can rewire teenagers’ brains, making them susceptible to drug or substance abuse later in life. The thought that e-cigarettes or vaping pens are a healthier way to smoke does not make any sense. In fact, they contain almost double the nicotine as compared to traditional cigarettes.
The fact that its complete ill effects are not yet discovered, makes Vaping even more dangerous. Being a newer phenomenon, this practice is not regulated. Anything can be mixed into the solution and it would not be possible to classify the ingredients. Various reports suggest the use of toxic chemicals in certain vape brands, with some even including components capable of triggering cancer cells.
How To Get Someone Out Of This Addiction?
If your child is Juuling or Vaping, it is important to first think of it as a bad habit and not a crime. This medical condition demands enormous support from the family and possibly a therapist to get the teen out of this addiction. However, it is never easy to stop kids from abusing nicotine. Once they develop an addiction, their body craves it. The moment you see the situation falling out of hand, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Conclusion
A lot of hard work and efforts have gotten into reducing tobacco abuse by teens. However, with the rise of Juuling, everything’s back to square one and the world now has millions of adolescents addicted to nicotine. The availability of Juuls and other vaping devices further promotes this addiction. What makes enforcement of rules against Juuling and Vaping more important is the fact that there is no program/therapy designed to tackle nicotine addiction amongst teens. Enforcing stricter laws to make sure vaping devices remain out of reach from teens is the only way to win this battle.
