New Look BUT Same Addiction

Editor: Brea Hamdorf, PHN

Aitkin County Public Health

Every year in the United States (U.S.), more than 448,000 people die from tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, making it the leading cause of death in this county. Tragically, each day thousands of kids still pick up a tobacco product for the first time. The number 1 product of choice is electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes.

Commercial tobacco’s harm starts at a young age. Tobacco use is started and established primarily during adolescence. The CDC reports that nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke daily, first tried smoking by the age of 18. In the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey report, 1 out of 10 high school students reported vaping in the past 30 days; and 90% of these students reported vaping a flavored product.

The modern e-cigarette has been available in the U.S. since 2007. Now there are nearly 500 brands and more than 500 different types of devices. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat an e-liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. This e-liquid usually contains nicotine and other toxic chemicals such as propylene glycol, diacetyl, formaldehyde, heavy metals, cadmium, benzene, and many, many more.

There are currently over 15,000 flavors on the market. These flavors include: blueberry, caramel frappe, cinnamon roll, cotton candy, banana split, watermelon ice, & pina colada, just to name a few. These flavors are appealing to youth and make it easier for them to try and continue to use a vape. It is estimated that 1 in 10 youth who start using vapes, become addicted with a few days of their first puff.

Nicotine is the addictive organic compound in tobacco. It is found in most vapes, include many listed as nicotine or tobacco free. When inhaled, nicotine enters the brain after passing through the lungs. The nicotine then binds to the receptors in the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, into the body. This activates the “reward pathway” and provides the user with a temporary feeling of pleasure. After, the nicotine level in the body drops quickly. The drop in nicotine levels cause the body to have a strong craving for nicotine that is satisfied by bringing more nicotine into the body. Drugs like to hijack and take control of the reward pathway. The brain continues to crave the dopamine release and the user slowly loses control over their choice to use the drug. This is the start of nicotine addiction.

This is particularly concerning for youth. The adolescent brain is still developing. In fact, the brain continues to develop until the age of about 25. As we grow, our brains are learning what is good and what is bad for our survival. When drugs, such as nicotine, marijuana, or alcohol, are used, they fool the brain into thinking they are good by hijacking the reward pathways in the brain. Not only is the adolescent brain more susceptible to becoming addicted, it is also harder to break that addiction. But not impossible.

Tobacco cessation is possible at any age. There are programs available to you quit tobacco. Quit Partner provides free support to anyone 18 and older. My Life, My Quit provides free and confidential help to youth age 13 and older. Visit QuitPartnerMN.com to learn more about both of these programs or to sign up.