Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Vaping and mental health are closely linked. That can make quitting even harder

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Vaping and Mental Health Are Closely Linked. That Can Make Quitting Even Harder

Regulation, Health Concerns, and the Mental Health Connection

Vaping is a topic of significant concern, with growing awareness about its impact on public health and the effects it can have on young people. As regulations and policies surrounding vaping continue to evolve, it’s essential to understand the mental health link and how it affects individuals.

In Australia, reforms have limited the availability of vapes to pharmacies, making it more challenging to access these products. This shift aims to reduce the appeal of vaping to young people and minimize the risks associated with e-cigarette use. However, with many vapes containing nicotine and potentially addictive substances, quitting can be an uphill battle.

Mental Health and Vaping: What’s the Connection?

Research suggests that mental health plays a significant role in vaping habits and that individuals with mental health concerns may be more likely to start vaping. In fact, 4.3 million Australians reported having a mental health problem in the past year. This includes anxiety and mood disorders, which often begin in adolescence and early adulthood.

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Studies have found that people who vape frequently are twice as likely to have a depression diagnosis compared with those who have never vaped. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey also revealed that individuals with more mental distress related to anxiety and depression were four times as likely to have vaped than those with low distress.

Self-Medicating with Vapes?

Some individuals may use vapes as a way to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. In fact, a survey found that 61% of young adults who vaped believed that nicotine-containing vapes helped them feel calmer when tense or stressed, while 57% believed it cheered people up when in a bad mood, and 50% believed it helped people feel better when feeling down.

However, rather than addressing these symptoms, vaping can increase the risk of developing nicotine dependence and worsen mental health conditions. A study in the United States linked vaping dependence to increased symptoms of depression.

Does Mental Health Affect Quitting?

The evidence surrounding mental health and quitting vaping is still emerging, and more research is needed to understand the connection. However, it’s clear that people with mental health conditions may face unique challenges when trying to quit vaping.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychological therapy, has been shown to be an effective approach to quitting smoking, and its principles can be applied to quitting vaping. Motivational interviewing, which highlights discrepancies between a person’s actions and values, can also be used to motivate individuals to quit vaping. Health providers and counselors can offer brief advice on how to quit, extrapolating from what works for quitting smoking.

What Works to Quit?

While there is limited evidence and guidance on the best way to support individuals who vape to quit, quit vaping programs can be effective. These programs typically consider the individual’s severity of mental illness, nicotine use, and withdrawal, as well as interactions between medications for their mental illness and medications used to help them quit vaping.

Conclusion

The link between vaping and mental health is a critical concern, and quitting can be an challenging experience for individuals with mental health conditions. Understanding the connection between vaping, nicotine, and mental health can help address the root causes of addiction and increase the chances of successful quitting. By incorporating evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, health providers and counselors can support individuals in quitting vaping and improving their overall mental health and wellbeing.

FAQs

How common is vaping among young people in Australia?
According to recent data, 73% of Australian vapers reported that their last vape contained nicotine, which tends to be high-strength.

What are the mental health consequences of vaping?
Research has linked vaping to increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, as well as nicotine dependence and worsened mental health conditions.

Can cognitive behavioral therapy help people quit vaping?
Yes, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be an effective approach to quitting smoking, and its principles can be applied to quitting vaping. Additionally, motivational interviewing can be used to motivate individuals to quit vaping.

Where can I find support to quit vaping?
Resources include quitting programs, health providers, and counseling services. The Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council recommends seeking professional help to quit vaping.

Can I get help if I’m struggling with mental health and vaping addiction?
Yes, there are resources available to support individuals struggling with mental health and vaping addiction. You can start by speaking with a healthcare provider, counseling service, or support group, or by contacting organizations that provide mental health support and resources, such as Lifeline (13 11 14) in Australia.

How can I manage stress and anxiety without vaping?
There are many effective strategies to manage stress and anxiety without vaping, including physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. It’s essential to find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety to reduce the appeal of vaping.

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