January 2, 2020

With the dangers of vaping, and the development of vaping-related lung illness being reported on frequently, AAC’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, spoke with CNET to contribute to a piece on tips for how to quit vaping.

Vaping has long been considered a replacement for tobacco cigarettes, but research has shown that many who make the switch still cannot quit smoking and that the amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes either matches or surpasses the amount of nicotine in traditional cigarettes. And they both are addictive.

“Both smoking methods involve nicotine, which is the addictive component,” said Dr. Weinstein. “Inhalation of nicotine will increase dopamine production regardless of the vessel used. The up and down of dopamine levels is what motivates the individual to smoke.”

Because a significant amount of e-cigarette users are teenagers and young adults, complete cessation from these devices is a must.

According to Dr. Weinstein, the brain is still developing until approximately 25 and nicotine can alter brain development. Nicotine can harm the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for decision-making, logic and personality traits.

To view the tips offered in the article, visit CNET.