We all are well aware of the term ‘vaping’ or at least know someone who vapes. Then you must be aware of the many notions associated with vaping in todayโs world. You might have heard some say that it causes cancer while others think it is just plain bad for the lungs. But what actually is true? Does vaping have similar effects to smoking a cigarette?
1. What Is Vaping?

Vapes are also called e-cigrettes which is an acronym for electronic cigarettes, which as the name goes works electronically. There are 5 main components in an e-cigarette.
1.1. Battery
1.2. Cartilage
1.3. Atomiser
1.4. Coil
1.5. Mouthpiece
So a vaping device normally requires a lithium-ion battery to run it. However, its size depends on the size of the vape. Normally, vape users tend to modify their vape to make it powerful and perform better. The battery powers the coil that in return converts the e-liquid into vapor.
This e-liquid is stored in the cartilage and the heat is produced by the atomizer.ย In the end, the vapor can be consumed or sucked by the consumer through the mouthpiece. To make the vape more popular among youth and teenagers, they have different flavors of e-liquid.
2. Top Ingredients in Vaping

So a vaping device may contain a number of things to make it run. But there is one peculiar thing that makes this device so addictive and harmful, the e-liquid that is converted into vape. That e-liquid is a combination of oils, chemicals, and water.
To be specific it includes; nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or glycerol, and water. So letโs dive further and understand how these substances can be harmful and to what extent can they affect our lungs.
2.1 Nicotine
It is one of those substances which is toxic to the human body. It is commonly used in things that have proven to harm the body through fatal addiction, lung cancer, and even organ failures. Such things include cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
Nicotin can increase your blood pressure which results in a high adrenaline rush. This would eventually lead to heart failure or heart attack.
2.2 Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is commonly used in food and is safe until consumed to a certain limit. If we consume too much of it, then the lactic acid which is normally broken down into the body, causes kidney failure. As we increase the amount of lactic acid in our body.
2.3 Oils
There are certain oils which are also present in this e-liquid. This a lesser-known fact. Such oils arenโt harmful in the initial stages. But as we consume the smoke on a daily basis, the oil starts to build up in our lungs and causes low oxygen levels.
3. Is Vaping Addictive?

You might want to know if casual vaping can turn into an addiction. Normally teenagers start to vape as a way to get accepted in their peer groups. They feel that if they do it, they might be more popular and admired by others.ย
But after using it once or twice, your body would start to crave more. As it would start to like that adrenaline rush. Slowly, it becomes a way to escape all your worldly problems. Just like any other drug, it releases the โfeel goodโ chemical in your brain. In short, it makes you high or gives you a โnice buzzโ.ย
4. How Can I Stop Vaping?

The decision to quit vaping or any other addiction is in itself a declaration to go to war against your own body. A little dramatic, but yes, when the withdrawal symptoms start to kick in you really need to restrain yourself from vaping again.ย
At first, you need to know the way by which you can release the adrenaline in a more natural way instead of external chemicals. You can try exercising, which can keep you distracted and release the happy and relaxing hormones.
Make sure to have a good support group. Your friends can take all your vaping devices and check on your condition every now and then. By that, you can ensure that in no way you are alone in the journey and reverting to the old ways.ย ย
Make new hobbies, focus, and practice them daily. There are a lot more things you can do in your free time instead of vaping. Write a book on your withdrawal journey, read a novel, watch a documentary, and spend time with family.ย
Now you are bound to face certain days where you have emotional breakdowns or physical urge to vape at least once. But make sure after overcoming all those challenges, you look back and be proud of yourself. Thatโs because not many have the strength to go to war with themselves, but you did and you won.
It is nicotine that makes vaping so addictive and the other chemicals as well as oils that are involved in it. Its impact on our body could range from cancer to lung failure.
5. FAQs
5.1. What were vapes initially made for?
Vapes were actually made by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist for adults who were addicted to smoking. He made it in hopes that people like his father who died because of his chain-smoking habit could leave it. It was actually an alternative to chain smoking but involved relatively less Nicotine.ย
This device was supposed to help its users quit smoking by reducing their Nicotine intake. But as years passed, the initial design which was created by the Chinese pharmacist was copied or sold. Now it’s produced for younger generations in different flavors, in hopes of getting them addicted, which actually does work.
5.2. What makes teenagers vape more?
Vaping in todayโs generation is commonly used at parties or gatherings. They believe that it looks cool and in order to avoid being outcasted by their peer groups other youths start vaping. There can also be other reasons like the common belief that vaping is less harmful than smoking a cigarette or that there arenโt any health risks related to vaping.ย
According to worldwide medical reports, in the year 2020 itself, there were over 2,000 patients who were hospitalized out of which more than 65 died. There were 15% among them who were under the age of 18. This doesnโt mean that there havenโt been any deaths related to vaping recently, this year itself a 15-year-old footballer died from a heart condition due to vaping.ย
5.3. How does a vape work?
A vaping device may look small, but it involves a complex set of things that run it. It involves a battery, cartilage, atomizer, coil, and mouthpiece. The battery is usually a lithium-ion one which charges the Atomiser that heats the coil. It then converts the e-liquid stored in the cartilage into vapor.ย
In the end, the vapor can be consumed or sucked by the consumer through the mouthpiece.ย ย
5.4. How can I quit vaping?
The withdrawal symptoms one faces while trying to quit vaping can be very similar to those that are faced with quitting smoking. The process can take a week or even a month and every day will be a challenge to face. But as you overcome one day at a time, things get easier.ย
Here are some ways or methods you can use to quit vaping
First of all, you need to get rid of all your vaping supplies, as keeping them within your reach can be a problem. Then you need to engage in different activities and try keeping your hands busy, as such urges mostly begin when you are free and alone. You can chew a sugar-free gum when the urges kick in.
Performing yoga is one of the best methods one can suggest to you.
Last Updated on December 21, 2023 by riyaspeaks