I Am Worried My Friend Is Addicted To Vaping
First, TeenHealthFX would like to thank you for reaching out for help for your friend. It can be hard to talk about especially when your friend does not believe he is addicted.
When it comes to vaping, the withdrawal symptoms can be much like the ones you've heard about cigarettes and far less noticeable than other drugs. The addictive chemical in vape products is nicotine and just so happens to be the same exact chemical that makes cigarettes addicting. Even though the symptoms are not as severe as other danger drugs, it is possible to be addicted and not even realize it.
Teen.SmokFree explains the following warning signs someone may be addicted to vaping:
- A person may have tried to quit vaping, but couldn't
- Anxious or fidgety if they can't vape in that moment
- Moody, or more cranky than usual
- Headaches
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Increased sweating and restlessness
- Having trouble sleeping
- Gain an intense craving for nicotine in vapes.
- A person can't stop thinking about vaping
If your friend tries to quit vaping and you notice him become depressed or have feelings of extreme sadness, encourage him to get help as soon as possible and to reach out to a parent/trusted adult, school counselor, school nurse, and/or doctor. In addition, a good resource for advice on how to quit vaping can be found here.
If you live in New Jersey, Atlantic Health System has a behavioral health has a program that can help and get be reached at 888-247-1400.
