We already know that smoking is harmful; it increases the risk of cancer, as well as heart and vascular diseases. The tar in a cigarette damages your health, and nicotine makes smoking highly addictive. About twenty years ago, the e-cigarette was introduced as a so-called ‘better’ alternative to smoking, but is that really true?
What is vaping?
An e-cigarette, or vape, is a small device that heats a liquid to create a vapor. No tobacco is burned, but using it still carries health risks, such as irritation of the throat and lungs and potential damage to the heart and circulatory system. The liquid used in vaping is called e-liquid. The vapor produced contains harmful substances, such as propylene glycol, glycerol, aldehydes, and nicotine. Inhaling these substances can irritate or damage the airways. E-cigarettes also contain nicotine, so vaping can still lead to addiction or maintain an existing nicotine dependency.
Is it better than smoking?
E-cigarettes and vapes have been marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking. They come in bright colors and a variety of (fruit) flavors, which can give the impression that they are less harmful—but this cannot be stated with certainty. This is mainly because there is still insufficient information about the long-term effects of e-cigarette use. While we know smoking is unhealthy, research on e-cigarettes is ongoing, but there is strong evidence that they are also harmful to health. Addiction is always harmful, especially at a young age. Therefore, quitting smoking, e-cigarettes, and vaping is always recommended.
Vaping among young people
Vaping is popular among young people, and the number of users continues to rise. The percentage of young people who vape continues to increase at an alarming rate. Research shows that in 2023, approximately 24.6% of young people aged 12 to 16 had tried a vape, and 14.3% used a vape in the past month. Daily use is around 4%, meaning a significant portion of young people are regular users. In addition, nearly one-third of young people who vape daily also smoke conventional cigarettes (Trimbos Institute)(GGD).
In addition to regular e-cigarettes, a new and dangerous trend is emerging: the so-called “THC vape.” These are vaping devices filled with THC, the active substance in cannabis. In many cases, these vapes contain synthetic cannabinoids, which are stronger and less predictable than natural THC. Young people often obtain these products through illegal channels, such as school dealers, social media, or online orders without age verification. Using THC vapes carries serious risks: dizziness, nausea, palpitations, anxiety, fainting, and even hallucinations or psychosis. Repeated use can lead to addiction and mental health problems, especially since young brains are still developing.
As a parent, it’s important to recognize that vaping carries significant health risks, including lung damage and addiction to nicotine or other substances. Finding the right moment to talk with your child, approaching the conversation calmly and openly, and using facts to raise awareness of the risks can make a big difference. Creating a plan together to quit and offering support are essential steps in the process.
Quitting vaping with LifeCheck
The professional coaches at LifeCheck can help you step by step with a carefully tailored personal plan. During a one-on-one consultation, we discuss your circumstances and motivation to quit. We also review goals and potential challenges. Based on the intake, a personal plan is created. The first step is usually a motivation consultation, which helps the coach determine how strong your intrinsic motivation is and how best to support or increase it.
If intrinsic motivation is not strong enough, we help build it gradually. This greatly increases the chances of success. Do you want to quit smoking or vaping? Join the LifeCheck ‘Quit Smoking’ program and schedule a session with a coach.
