Does Vaping Cause Anxiety: The Connection You May Not Know 2024

Vaping nicotine has become increasingly popular among youth and young adults. While the short-term effects of vaping may seem minimal, there are concerns about the potential negative impact on mental health. Some studies have suggested that vaping links to developing or exacerbating mental health symptoms and conditions.

This raises the question: does vaping cause anxiety?

Here we will explore the current research on the relationship between vaping and mental health, particularly regarding anxiety. By examining the available evidence, we aim to shed light on the potential impact of vaping on mental health conditions and the treatments for young adults who engage in this behavior to help you make better decisions. 

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety^[1] is a natural response to stress or danger, often characterized by feelings of worry or fear. While occasional anxiety is normal, excessive or persistent anxiety can indicate that you suffer more serious mental health issues.

Anxiety symptoms can vary widely but commonly include unease, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. You may also experience physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and shaking.

Anxiety can significantly impact physical and mental health and interfere with your daily activities and relationships, regardless of your age.

Nonetheless, anxiety is a common mental health issue in teens and young adults and may manifest differently in adults. For example, young people may experience anxiety about school performance, social situations, or family relationships.

In contrast, adults may face anxiety brought about by stress due to a lack of finances and relationships.

While there is no cure for anxiety, there are ways to relieve and manage anxiety symptoms.^[2] Anxiety treatment may include ognitive behavioral therapy,^[3] medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and avoiding triggers.

Understanding the mental health differences and similarities between adults and young people can also help treat anxiety. By recognizing and addressing anxiety symptoms early, it is possible to improve overall mental health and quality of life.

The Link Between Vaping And Anxiety

The link between vaping without nicotine for anxiety and with nicotine has been the subject of much debate and research. So, does vaping cause anxiety and depression?

According to the American Heart Association,^[4] nearly 60% of THC-only, nicotine-only, and dual vapers had anxiety episodes compared to roughly 40% of those who never vaped. Smokers of THC-only vape products more frequently report experiencing more signs of anxiety.

Electronic cigarettes have become popular as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, many of these devices still contain nicotine, a psychoactive component that is highly addictive and can contribute to nicotine dependence.

Studies have shown that nicotine can significantly impact your mental health and may contribute to anxiety^[5] and depressive symptoms. Long-term use may also alter the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is involved in impulse control and judgment. Vaping may also affect your hippocampus, which is crucial to memory and learning.

When you consume nicotine through smoking or vaping, it quickly reaches the brain and activates the release of neurotransmitters^[6] like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These compounds impact the pleasure and gratification centers, causing feelings of pleasure, calm, and euphoria. This is why people frequently turn to nicotine as a quick-acting stress-reduction technique.

However, the effects of nicotine on emotions can vary depending on you and your circumstances. In some cases, nicotine can increase anxiety, especially during nicotine withdrawal or when using high doses. This is because nicotine can activate your sympathetic nervous system,^[7] which increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, all of which can exacerbate anxiety.

Furthermore, the rapid nicotine delivery through e-cigarettes leads to more intense nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, further exacerbating anxiety.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of vaping on mental health, as their brains are still developing and may be more susceptible to addiction and other adverse effects.

Vaping And Overall Mental Health

Vaping and overall mental health are closely linked, with numerous studies exploring the impact of e-cigarettes on mental health outcomes. One of the big questions that remains is can vaping cause panic attacks?

One systematic review found that e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of anxiety disorders^[8] and panic attacks. Moreover, while you may perceive vaping as a way to reduce stress, nicotine withdrawal and other associated health risks can trigger anxiety and exacerbate mental health issues such as substance use^[9] and psychiatric disorders.^[10]

Furthermore, many dual vapers — those who smoke cigarettes and use e-cigarettes — may be at even greater risk for mental health problems as they inhale nicotine and other harmful chemicals in tobacco products.

While some argue that vaping may benefit physical health by reducing tobacco use, the overall impact on mental health remains unclear.

Additionally, the physical health consequences of vaping, such as respiratory issues and the deterioration of cardiovascular health, may further impact overall mental health and quality of life. 

Vaping Risk Among Young Adults

The risk of vaping among young adults is a growing concern as e-cigarette use continues to rise among high school and college students. A Centers for Disease Control 2020 research showed that about 3.6 million young adults^[11] in the U.S. use e-cigarettes, further magnifying the problem’s size.

While you may turn to electronic cigarettes to quit smoking or as a coping mechanism for stress, the health risks of vaping are numerous. Studies have shown that nicotine use, even without tobacco products, can negatively affect cardiovascular health^[12] and the human brain.^[13] Addiction to nicotine is also very common among young people.

Without a doubt, dual users report a stronger dependence on nicotine than other vaping groups reported. Furthermore, other psychoactive components in e-cigarettes, such as THC or cannabidiol, may also negatively impact your mental health and cognitive function.

These consequences affect the psychological side of things and other aspects of life. Since the CDC attests that about 99% of these e-cigs contain nicotine, young users exhibit signs of deteriorating mental health with frequent anxiety and depression.^[14] Depression and high school dropout rates have been connected. 

One out of every four teenagers reports having clinically significant depressive symptoms^[15] at least three months before quitting school. The likelihood of a teen dropping out of high school is also twice as high^[16] for those with a history of a distressing disorder such as anxiety.

Treatment And Prevention Strategies

Treatment and prevention strategies for vaping-related health risks should prioritize education and support for people looking to quit or reduce their use of e-cigarettes.

Treatment includes promoting healthier alternatives, such as nicotine replacement therapies or counseling. Addressing the factors contributing to e-cigarette use, such as stress or peer pressure, is also a viable treatment route.

Since the young mind is highly impressionable, offering education about the potential risks of lung disease and cardiovascular disease associated with nicotine and THC use is also critical for those who vape THC. These lessons should be visual to show the implications of going that route.

Other treatment methods may include behavioral therapies,^[17] medications, support groups, natural remedies, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture.^[18]

Prevention strategies should focus on limiting access to e-cigarettes among youth, particularly in light of the increased risk of addiction and other vaping health problems. Policies and age restrictions on the marketing and availability of e-cigarettes, including those targeted at youth by tobacco advertisers, may help reduce youth use rates among young people.

Lastly, promoting healthy coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques with professional help can aid in preventing e-cig use as a coping mechanism. Encouraging young people to engage in activities like exercise, online therapy, or meditation can provide a healthier way to manage stress and reduce the likelihood of turning to e-cigs.

Conclusion

While vaping appeared to be a cooler and safer option than smoking tobacco cigarettes initially, this is not necessarily the case. 

The health risks associated with vaping are complex, requiring a nuanced approach that considers the factors contributing to e-cigarette use and the potential health consequences. 

Both nicotine and THC-only vapers risk experiencing adverse health effects, including reduced lung capacity and increased cases of cardiovascular disease. Those using e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco products may be at even greater risk.

Despite increasing concerns about the anxiety health risks of vaping, we still do not know much about the long-term effects of e-cigarette use and anxiety. More research on the subject is needed to understand better the health consequences of vaping, particularly among young people at greater risk of addiction and other health problems.

Until then, it is important to prioritize education, treatments, and prevention strategies, such as online therapy, for individuals looking to quit vaping. And for those of you who just started vaping in the past week, you can stop now, and you’ll be much more relaxed!

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