Vaping Nicotine and THC : Know Its Impact on Teen Depression and Anxiety

In a recent survey, researchers have highlighted concerning trends suggesting a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among teens and young adults. This observation coincides with the consumption of substances that may influence brain functions, particularly in younger individuals. Notably, the effects of these substances vary among individuals, contingent on factors like frequency and dosage.⁽¹⁾

The American Heart Association conducted a survey involving over 2,500 teens and young adults, revealing a potential link between vaping nicotine and THC – the active compound in cannabis – and an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms. These preliminary findings, set to be presented at the Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2023 in Boston, are, however, yet to undergo peer-reviewed publication.⁽²⁾

While previous studies have already indicated connections between vaping and symptoms of anxiety and depression in young adults, the researchers have emphasized the surge in pod-based e-cigarette usage among youths and young adults in recent years.⁽³⁾ According to a study author from the University of Louisville in Kentucky, there has always been a historical vulnerability of young individuals to tobacco use. These individuals might face heightened risks due to nicotine and other substances, potentially exacerbated by targeting efforts from tobacco advertisers and marketers.

Acknowledging the relative novelty of e-cigarette devices compared to traditional tobacco products, such as combustible cigarettes and pipes, researchers have also emphasized the critical need for further investigation. Understanding the reasons behind vaping trends among the youth and the associated health risks remains an essential area for comprehensive research. The importance of exploring the motivations behind vaping practices and comprehending the potential health hazards linked to e-cigarette use cannot be stressed upon enough, especially when it concerns the younger population.

In a comprehensive survey encompassing 2,505 adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 24, researchers aimed to scrutinize mental health variations among distinct vaping categories, including nicotine-only vapers, THC-only vapers, dual vapers (utilizing both nicotine and THC), and individuals who abstained from vaping entirely.

The study focused its analysis on 1,921 participants who either refrained from vaping or were current vapers, defined as having vaped within the previous 30 days. Among this cohort, 562 respondents reported never having vaped, 370 had exclusively vaped nicotine, 159 solely vaped THC, while 830 were identified as dual vapers.

The findings revealed striking disparities in mental health symptoms among various vaping groups compared to non-vapers. Approximately 70 percent of THC-only vapers and 60 percent of nicotine-only vapers and dual vapers reported experiencing anxiety symptoms, including worries, flashbacks, panic attacks, and situational anxieties, over the preceding week. This was in stark contrast with about 40 percent of individuals who had never vaped.

Furthermore, over half of nicotine-only vapers, THC-only vapers, and dual vapers reported experiencing depressive symptoms within the past week, hindering their ability to partake in activities they typically enjoyed – be it work, school activities, or social interactions. In contrast, only 25 percent of non-vapers reported similar symptoms.

Equally concerning were the findings related to suicidal thoughts. More than 50 percent of individuals across all vaping groups disclosed experiencing suicidal thoughts within the past year, a markedly higher proportion compared to approximately one-third of non-users.

These alarming observations underscore the potential detrimental impact of vaping on mental health, suggesting a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among those involved in vaping activities, particularly among the adolescent and young adult demographic.

The investigation into the motivations driving vaping behaviors among adolescents and young adults revealed distinctive reasons that compel individuals to engage in this habit.

Among the participants surveyed, approximately a quarter of dual vapers and those exclusively vaping nicotine initiated nicotine consumption through vaping to alleviate stress or induce a sense of relaxation. Similarly, about one-third of individuals in both groups resorted to vaping nicotine as a means of coping with anxiety-related issues.⁽⁴⁾

Conversely, the motivations behind THC-only vapers depicted a different trend. Nearly half of these individuals, accounting for about 50 percent, reported vaping THC with the specific intention of alleviating symptoms related to anxiety. This indicated a higher prevalence of using THC vaping as a means to manage anxiety among this subgroup.

Moreover, nearly 20 percent of nicotine-only vapers and dual vapers turned to vaping nicotine to mitigate depressive symptoms. On the other hand, roughly one-third of THC-only vapers started and currently vape THC to alleviate feelings of depression, indicating a higher percentage among this group seeking relief from depressive symptoms through THC consumption.⁽⁵⁾

These findings shed light on the different motivations that is today guiding vaping behaviors among teens and young adults, showcasing varied reasons, including stress relief, anxiety management, and alleviation of depressive symptoms. This definitely underscored the multifaceted nature of motivations that is driving this concerning trend.

The study revealed compelling insights into the correlation between vaping habits and addiction tendencies among young individuals.

It was observed that dual vapers, those engaging in both nicotine and THC vaping, were notably more likely than those vaping solely nicotine to express a sense of addiction to nicotine. Additionally, dual vapers reported a significant decrease in feelings of depression following the commencement of vaping. In contrast, nicotine-only vapers more frequently indicated that vaping had no discernible effect on their depressive symptoms. The researchers suggested that this difference might be attributed to the heightened addiction levels observed in dual users, rather than the products’ positive impact on mood.⁽⁶⁾

The study’s findings unveiled a surprising prevalence of dual vapers, surpassing the number of nicotine-only vapers by more than double. The researchers expressed astonishment at the significant proportion of individuals engaging in dual vaping, indicating potential compounding effects on addiction and mental health implications, particularly related to depressive symptoms. The researchers further highlighted the possibility of dual use intensifying vaping addiction or attracting individuals predisposed to addiction, this influencing symptoms of depression.

The impact of nicotine and THC on mental health varies greatly and is contingent upon individual circumstances, dosage, and method of consumption, according to neuroscientist and addiction. Experts have emphasized that the effects experienced from vaping either chemical – nicotine or THC – are similar to those experienced through smoking, provided the dosage remains consistent. However, individuals with depression might be more inclined to dual vape, indicating a potential correlation between substance misuse and mental illness.⁽⁷⁾

Other experts have also highlighted certain common factors between THC and nicotine, associating both with anxiety and depression based on various studies. Both substances activate pleasure centers in the brain, but can also lead to decreased responsiveness to normal pleasures over time. Other studies have also noted that individuals who vaped both nicotine and THC exhibited higher rates of depression, suggesting a potential link between vaping-related inflammation and triggering depressive symptoms.⁽⁸⁾

The harmful effects of nicotine and THC on young individuals already grappling with mood disorders should not be downplayed. It is important to educate and equip young people with coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety, warning them that both these substances can alter brain chemistry, influencing mood and anxiety levels.⁽⁹⁾ For example, nicotine’s stimulant effects and THC’s potential to induce anxiety, paranoia, or relaxation, increases the risk of deteriorating mental health and addiction among teenagers and young adults who resort to vaping as a coping mechanism.

The ongoing research on vaping highlights the complexity of its health implications, beyond just nicotine. The oversight of various substances present in vapes, including heavy metals and harmful additives, also pose potential health risks. Initially marketed as a healthier alternative to cigarettes, the perception of vapes has evolved over time. There are still many challenges remaining in actually understanding the full impact of vaping, especially looking at the evolving nature of products and regulatory changes. As research progresses and regulations adapt, the dynamic landscape surrounding vapes remains intricate and challenging to monitor.

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