Blog post by Lucy Collins
In recent years, vaping has surged in popularity globally, marketed as a ‘safer alternative’ to smoking. However, beneath the flavoured clouds and colourful packaging lies a concerning truth: vaping poses significant risks to both physical and psychological well-being, with addiction looming as an underlying threat.
Cardiovascular Concerns:
- Nicotine, a highly addictive compound present in most vaping products, is notorious for its effects on cardiovascular health. It can increase blood pressure, elevate heart rate, and constrict arteries, raising the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, the long-term impact of vaping on cardiovascular function is still under investigation, leaving many uncertainties regarding its safety.
Respiratory Issues:
- Vaping exposes users to harmful substances. The inhalation of aerosols containing nicotine, ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals can damage the lungs. Research indicates a correlation between vaping and respiratory illnesses, including bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as "popcorn lung," a condition characterised by inflammation and scarring of the air sacs in the lungs.
Addiction:
One of the most significant factors of vaping is its addictive potential, primarily due to the presence of nicotine. Nicotine activates reward pathways in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This reinforcement in large quantities can quickly escalate into dependence, making it challenging to quit.
Did You Know, that for adolescents whose brains are still developing, nicotine addiction poses an even greater risk, potentially altering cognitive function and increasing risk of substance abuse later in life.
Mental Health Implications:
Beyond addiction, vaping may exacerbate or contribute to mental health disorders. Research suggests that vaping serves as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression, serving as a distraction. The temporary relief of vaping provided by nicotine often masks underlying issues, unprocessed trauma and emotions, perpetuating a cycle of dependence and worsening mental well-being in the long run.
According to a study run by University of Louisville School of Medicine, it was revealed that the higher levels of nicotine in vapes increased sympathetic nervous system activity, also known as the fight-or-flight response. In the autonomic nervous system, sympathetic dominance increases the fight-or-flight response in bodily functions, including heart rate.
While vaping may initially appear harmless and alluring, the reality is it hosts a long list of physical and psychological hazards. If you are struggling with your vape use, consider reaching out for support from healthcare professionals or therapists.
Hypnotherapy can be used for vaping cessation with the focus being on addressing the psychological underpinnings of addiction. During hypnosis sessions, individuals can explore the underlying triggers and motivations driving their vaping habit, whether it be stress, boredom, or social pressure. By uncovering and reframing these subconscious associations, hypnotherapy empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and break free from the cycle of addiction.
If you are interested in hypnotherapy, contact me today to book in your free Initial Consultation to find out more: lucy.collins@groundedchoicehypnotherapy.com
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