E-cigarettes can make depression worse. Youth Tobacco Survey released

Nationwide, 11.3% of high school and 2.8% of middle school students responding to the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey, reported current (within the past 30 days) e-cigarette use.  The results were released in March by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The reasons users gave most often, were to deal with anxiety, stress or depression, or to get a nicotine buzz.

However, “nicotine often makes depression and anxiety worse,” said George Haws, coordinator of Community Connections Tobacco Free Lincoln County. “It goes right to the ‘feel good’ center, but the benefits are short-lived.” Haws said, besides being highly addictive, nicotine affects brain development, often resulting in mood changes and reduced capacity to cope and make positive choices. “That is on top of reduced blood flow, intestinal problems and stress to the heart caused by nicotine, along with damaging effects of the other chemicals on lungs, vocal chords and other parts of the body.”

“The good news is that the majority of young people are not using e-cigarettes and people are becoming more aware of the risks,” said Haws. He advised parents and caregivers to model healthy ways to manage stress, and to encourage children to be involved in positive healthy outlets.

Almost 85% of current users said they used flavored products and 53.7% said they used a disposable device. The most commonly used products were Puff Bar (26.8%), Vuse (10.5%) and SMOK (8.6%). JUUL, once the most popular brand with young people, has largely fallen out of favor since Feb., 2020. That is when the FDA banned all flavorings except tobacco and menthol in pre-filled pod devices, including JUUL.

Young people who are struggling with nicotine addiction can get help by texting “DitchVape” to 88709, a service of Truth Initiative, a non-profit advocacy organization.