According to another damning study, young vapers are up to twice as likely to have mental health problems as non-users.
Researchers led by the American Heart Association surveyed 2,500 children and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24 online.
Up to 70 percent of those who only vaped THC reported experiencing anxiety such as worry, flashbacks, and panic attacks in the past week. In comparison, 40 percent of participants who had never vaped said they had.
Half of vapers also reported suffering from depression, compared to 25 percent of non-vapers. The scientists found that young people are more prone to addiction to nicotine products, which raises the question of why people have taken up this habit.
The study is another setback for those who claim vapes are a healthy alternative to cigarettes, as previous research has linked them to cancer, heart disease and other negative effects.
Researchers led by the American Heart Association found that young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or panic attacks (stock photo)
E-cigarettes used to be thought of as a healthy way to quit smoking, but a number of studies are now warning about the risks they pose.
Just this month, a study warned that they increase the risk of oral cancer as much as cigarettes, while another article in January found that the devices put patients at greater risk of pneumonia.
In fact, it was revealed earlier this week that a 45-year-old man from Indiana coughed up three liters of blood and was hospitalized after using the devices.
DR Joy Hart, a health communication expert at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, said: “Young people have long been vulnerable to tobacco use, may be more harmed by nicotine and other drugs, and may be targeted by tobacco advertisers and marketers.
Vaping causes MORE pneumonia than regular cigarettes
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that e-cigarettes containing nicotine caused more pneumonia than people who smoked regular cigarettes.
“E-cigarette devices are still relatively new compared to other tobacco products such as combustible cigarettes and pipes, so more research is needed to better understand the popularity of e-cigarettes, including the reasons for vaping and the health risks associated with it among young people.”
Of the participants, 1,359 vaped in the past month.
Researchers presenting results this week at the AHA’s Health Sciences Session in Boston found that 370 vaped nicotine alone, 159 vaped THC alone, and 830 vaped both.
About 70 percent of THC vapers reported experiencing anxiety in the past week, while only 60 percent for nicotine reported these symptoms.
More than half of the vapers in all three groups also reported depressive symptoms in the past week.
The researchers defined depression as having difficulty participating in or being interested in activities they normally enjoy, whether they feel that depression affects their ability to do things they need to do at work, school or at home and whether it affects their affect social life or relationships. .
When asked about nicotine addiction, the scientists said it is most common among those who only vaporize nicotine.
Dr Hart said: “While we knew that THC is often vaped, we were surprised to see so many double vapers – more than twice as many as pure nicotine vapers.
“Dual use may increase vaping’s addictive potential or attract people more prone to addiction, as well as impact symptoms of depression.”
“These findings highlight the importance of addressing THC use and the importance of building resilience and coping skills for teenagers and young adults.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
