Vapers and marketers don’t see anything wrong with e-cigs, but the dangers of JUUL should not be ignored. E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. But the truth is, they’re not.
JUUL is a brand of e-cigarettes that look like USB memory sticks. They are a very popular vaping device among teenagers due to their sleek design. The fact that the JUUL device is easily rechargeable and comes with flavored liquid-filled cartridges makes it even more appealing. This new type of e-cigarette is climbing in popularity[1] and is now about 68% of the $2 billion e-cigarette market.
JUULing has become increasingly popular at teenage hangouts and schools. As of October 2019, 18 deaths and more than 1,000 cases of lung illness are linked to the use of e-cigarettes.
High Levels of Nicotine
Heavy smokers already have a dependency on cigarettes, which are commonly referred to as cancer sticks. For them, JUULling can be helpful because this smoking method doesn’t involve the use of tobacco. E-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco or produce tar, but they are loaded with high levels of nicotine[2]. The concentration of e-liquid in a JUUL-pod is 5% nicotine by volume, which is more than twice the amount of nicotine in similar devices.
Excessive nicotine intake gives rise to a surge of adrenaline. The immediate release of glucose speeds up your heart rate, disrupts your breathing pattern, and raises your blood pressure. As your body succumbs to the nicotine effect, you are likely to experience some of these side effects:
- Increased risk of stroke
- Certain cancers
- Dizziness and fainting
- Cardiovascular complications
- Respiratory side effects
- Lung inflammation
- Decreased immunity
Possibility of Addiction
As if the dangerously high levels of nicotine weren’t enough, there is also the possibility of developing an addiction to nicotine. Teenagers can unknowingly become exposed to unsafe levels of nicotine. This chemical increases the level of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger in your brain that controls the feelings of pleasure. Once nicotine is introduced and alters this chemical messenger, it’s harder to fight the urge to use it again and again.
According to experts in the medical field, nicotine gradually changes and impairs your brain[3]. If you begin using JUUL devices regularly, there is a higher chance you will become less opposed to experimenting with stronger drugs, including illicit ones.
It also makes adolescents more susceptible to experiencing psychological disorders and behavioral issues. Therefore, e-cigarettes can send your life spiraling out of control.
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Life-Altering Problems
E-juice comes in thousands of flavors. Apple pie, cotton candy, and gummy bear are among the popular choices. Although all these flavors may give you the impression that JUULing is fun and harmless, e-juice has enough chemicals inside it to cause long-lasting damage to the brain and the lungs.
The usual ingredients include propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. Formaldehyde is a by-product. However, since no agency governs the e-cigarette market, there’s a high level of uncertainty surrounding e-juice. That’s why you should ask yourself this one question: What are you really inhaling when you draw on your favorite e-cig? Most teenage users[4] believe that they are only inhaling flavorings, but the available information proves otherwise. Until manufacturers and researchers can answer this question with certainty, you should err on the side of caution. Those flavorful vapors are more hazardous than you think.
Help Is Available to Save You From the Dangers of JUUL
Arming yourself with the dangers of JUULing should encourage you to steer clear of all vaping products. If you find you are already struggling with an addiction, contact the caring staff at Ocean Hills Recovery. A comprehensive approach combines conventional and alternative therapies to put you in the best position to lead a life free of addiction. The programs at Ocean Hills Recovery can be tailored to address your specific addiction, allowing you to regain control of your life.
Sources:
[1] http://www.center4research.org/the-dangers-of-juuling/
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html
[3] https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/why-you-should-quit/health-effects
[4] https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/teens-e-cigarettes
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