Over Thanksgiving I had an opportunity to discuss the teen Juuling and the vaping epidemic with my niece and nephew, 20 and 18, respectively. Both attend college and admit to occasional vaping. This isn’t surprising, or unlike my own peers experimenting with smoking decades ago, especially in a social situation. They, like every other teen I have personally talked to, say “everybody” is JUULing.
What really struck me about our conversation was learning of the shaming that reportedly takes place on college campuses when young adult nicotine users are caught with cheaper, lesser known or “knock off” products. I had flashbacks to middle school and Guess Jeans. In high school, it was Girbaud Jeans. Years later, I suspect, the UGG craze may have been difficult for younger folks trying to fit into a brand name world on a generic budget. Teen Juuling and the use of alternative vaping products makes the epidemic even more problematic.
I don’t remember any shaming about Milwaukee’s Best or Boones Farm when I was in college. I certainly don’t remember ever feeling embarrassed about our more affordable beverage selections. I was just so shocked to hear that the brand of electronic nicotine device is strongly linked to social status. Crazy!
When I was growing up, I remember being lectured about the dangers of drinking and driving; not about the damage alcohol can have on development or about alcoholism. I remember learning about the dangers of smoking (cancer, in particular) but not about nicotine addiction. The opioid epidemic has brought attention to the topic of addiction, but I’m not sure the physiology of addiction is getting across. I still think most people understand addiction as chasing a “high” and as a moral shortcoming rather than the need for a drug to feel “normal,” and avoid painful withdrawal. The terms “dangerous” and “illegal” might be strangely appealing to teenagers, whereas maybe “addiction” and “withdrawal symptoms” could have a different impact. Just my thoughts. Click here for a comprehensive collection of addiction terminology.
Teens are hearing that vaping or JUULing can help them stay alert or awake. In this way students are drawn to the habit to enhance academic performance. Others are taking part to fit in; others to rebel. Some are also take it up under the impression it may help control weight. In any event, it’s clearly out of control. The FDA has acted in what is considered the greatest public regulatory move in history. Time will tell if the frightening trend can be reversed. It’s too early to know the long-term effects of teen Juuling, vaping and eCigarette use, but let’s hope it’s not too late to persuade future generations of young people against it.
https://www.elevatedvaping.com/blogs/news/the-real-cost-of-vaping 8:00-8:40 “JUUL users are very likely to develop a dependency on nicotine using this device.”
