Stealing our children’s health and our country’s future.
As the world unites to observe World No Tobacco Day, a new and deeply concerning trend demands our urgent attention — vaping among adolescents.
Marketed as safer alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity, especially among teens. Sleek in design and flavored to appeal to younger users, these devices mask a dangerous truth: THEY STILL CONTAIN NICOTINE, a highly addictive substance with serious health consequences.
This World No Tobacco Day, we uncover the hidden dangers of vaping through an eye-opening story and key facts that everyone especially teens and parents — should know. It is time to lift the veil on this modern tobacco menace and confront the reality behind the smoke.
FROM ONE PUFF TO ADDICTION:
Single puff would spiral into a nightmare. Started feeling increasingly anxious, had sleepless nights, constipation and headaches without her vape.
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor containing nicotine and flavoring agents using a device called an e-cigarette (also known as electronic cigarettes, vape pens, or pen hookahs).
REASONS FOR RISING USE AMONG TEENS:
- Lack of awareness.
- Peer pressure.
- Desire to fit into the “cool” group.
- Attractive packaging and flavors.
At first, vaping made look cool. The device looked like lip glass and fit easily into her cosmetic pouch. The brain was being rewired by nicotine — the same highly addictive substance found in cigarettes.
HOW DOES NICOTINE HIJACK THE BRAIN?
Nicotine enters the brain within seconds, triggering the release of dopamine — a “feel-good” hormone.
The dopamine released through nicotine is more than what’s produced by food or pleasurable activities. The brain starts prioritizing nicotine over essential needs — this is how addiction begins.
Slowly, the person feels like they’ll die without taking a puff. Now, it’s not just a bad habit — it becomes a brain disease.
Activities we enjoy also release dopamine. If we go two days without food, our body craves food more than activity. This is called the Survival Hierarchy. Nicotine hijacks the top spot in this hierarchy.
WARNING SIGNS PARENTS SHOULD WATCH FOR:
- Fruity or candy-like smells.
- Unexplained cough.
- Mouth sores.
- Increased thirst.
- Nosebleeds.
- Constant throat clearing.
- Increased irritability.
- Mood swings.
- Hidden USB-like devices.
HEALTH RISKS OF VAPING INCLUDE:
- Lung disease (commonly known as EVALI: E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury).
- “Popcorn lung” injury.
- Heart disease and blood vessel damage.
- Oral and dental issues.
- Cancer.
- Fertility issues.
- Abnormal sleep-wake cycles.
MEETING THE SPECIALIAST:
E-cigarettes are not just vapor — they’re aerosols containing nicotine, vitamin E acetate, toxic metals like nickel and copper, and cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde.
“It’s a myth that vaping calm you down. That ‘calm is just relief from withdrawal. In truth, nicotine worsens stress and sleep.”
Many users falsely believe that smoking relieves stress. The relaxation is temporary and is soon replaced by withdrawal symptoms — cravings, anxiety, hunger, sleeplessness, inability to concentrate, and irritability. This creates a cycle of stress that worsens over time.
THE JOURNEY TO RECOVERY:
Willpower, Motivation, Assurance, Commitment, and Declaration would help a person become vape-free.
To follow the 7 DO’s to control withdrawal symptoms:
- Drink water to reduce cravings.
- Deep breathing and pranayam.
- Delay urges by 10 minutes.
- Distract yourself with hobbies.
- Diet — eat fruits, cereals.
- Discuss feelings with parents.
- Drugs/NRT – (Nicotine Replacement Therapy), if needed, under medical supervision.
- Practice laughter therapy,, spending time and laughing every night.
HEALING TIMELINE:
- Concentration improved.
- Slept better.
- Mood stabilized.
- Breath became fresher.
- Taste buds awakened.
TYPICAL HEALING TIMELINE:
- 20 minutes: Blood pressure and heart rate normalize.
- 8 hours: Oxygen levels improve.
- 24 hours: Risk of heart attack begins to decline.
- 48 hours: Taste and smell start returning.
- 2-12 weeks: Lung function and stamina.
- 1 year : Heart disease risk drops by half.
- 5 years: Stroke and cancer risk significantly reduce.
- 10-15 years: Risk of major diseases equals that of a non-smoker.
Tobacco addiction is not just a bad habit — it’s a brain disease. But with the right support, guidance, and professional help, recovery is absolutely possible.
It’s important to remain adolescents to choose a life of strength, not a life of slavery to vape pens.
