Vaping

What is vaping?

Vaping involves using a device to heat a liquid or other substance to produce an aerosol that is inhaled. Vaping devices, sometimes called e-cigarettes or vapes, come in many shapes and sizes and may be used to vape nicotine, cannabis or other substances. Vaping liquids may contain nicotine, flavourings and other ingredients.

Why do people vape?

There are many reasons why youth may vape. These can include curiosity, stress, social influences, enjoyment, or being around others who vape. Advertising, product availability, and other social and environmental factors can also influence vaping.

Some people who smoke cigarettes may use vaping as a way to reduce or quit smoking. However, for youth who do not smoke, vaping can introduce exposure to nicotine and other substances and potential health risks that would otherwise be avoided.

Understanding these influences, along with the potential risks of vaping, can help you make informed decisions about your health. Learn about the health impacts of teen vaping and nicotine through the video here.

Risks

Vaping is not harmless and can affect your health. The risks can vary depending on what is being vaped, whether it contains nicotine, the device used, and how often and how much a person vapes.

Vaping aerosol can expose you to chemicals and metals that may be harmful to your health. Using vaping products at higher power and temperature settings can produce greater amounts of potentially harmful chemicals. People nearby can also be exposed to substances in second-hand vaping aerosol, although this exposure is different from second-hand cigarette smoke. Researchers are continuing to study the long-term health effects of vaping, including its effects on lung and heart health.

Many vaping products contain nicotine, which can cause physical dependence and addiction. Nicotine can cause cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to stop vaping. Youth are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nicotine because their brains are still developing. Nicotine can make it harder for youth to concentrate, learn and manage their emotions. Check the product label to find out whether it contains nicotine and, if so, its nicotine concentration.

How is vaping affecting me?

If you vape, it can be helpful to think about how vaping is affecting you and whether anything has changed over time. You might notice that you are vaping more often than you intended, experiencing cravings, or finding it difficult to go without vaping. You may also notice that certain situations, feelings or social settings make you more likely to vape.

Think about your vaping and whether you have noticed any of the following:

• I vape more often than I intended
• I have strong urges or cravings to vape
• When I can’t vape, I feel irritable, restless or anxious.
• I find it difficult to go without vaping.
• Vaping is affecting my health, relationships, activities or finances.
• I’ve thought about stopping or making a change to my vaping.

If any of these feel familiar, support is available. Talking with someone you trust or a health-care provider can help.

Recognizing these patterns and influences can help you make informed choices that support your health and well-being. Take this quiz to understand your vaping behaviour and why you vape.

I want to reduce my use

If you want to reduce your use, know that you are not alone on this journey. There are people who care about you and want to help you become the best version of yourself. 

QuitNow is a free program that supports people in BC who want to reduce or quit their tobacco and nicotine use through phone and live chat coaching, text and email tips and a supportive peers forum. Access support here or learn more about quitting vaping here.