Side effects of quitting vaping
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Side Effects of Quitting Vaping
Introduction to Vaping and Smoking Cessation
Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) for smoking cessation. While vaping is considered less harmful than combustible cigarettes, the long-term health effects remain uncertain 1. This article explores the side effects experienced by individuals who quit vaping, drawing insights from recent research.
Physical and Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting vaping can lead to various physical withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced when quitting traditional cigarettes. These symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and increased appetite. The presence of nicotine in e-cigarettes means that users can experience nicotine withdrawal, which manifests as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and cravings for nicotine 13.
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
Psychological symptoms are also prevalent among those who quit vaping. These can include increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Research indicates that individuals who continue to use nicotine through vaping report better stress management compared to those who quit all nicotine use 4. However, those who quit vaping entirely may experience heightened stress and depressive symptoms initially 34.
Impact on Well-Being and Daily Functioning
Changes in Well-Being
Studies have shown mixed results regarding the impact of quitting vaping on overall well-being. Some ex-vapers report improvements in daily functioning and emotional coping over time, particularly those who have been nicotine-free for over a year 3. However, a significant portion of ex-vapers also report negative effects on their well-being, such as increased stress and worry about future health problems 3.
Coping with Stress
Interestingly, individuals who switch from smoking to vaping and then quit vaping report better stress management compared to those who quit all forms of nicotine. This suggests that the continued use of nicotine through vaping may help mitigate some of the stress associated with quitting smoking 4. However, the long-term benefits of this approach remain unclear, and further research is needed to understand the full implications 4.
Social and Cognitive Effects
Social Maladjustments
Quitting vaping, especially among adolescents and young adults, can lead to social maladjustments. These may include poor learning and academic performance, increased aggressive and impulsive behavior, and impaired memory and cognition 2. The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine and other e-cigarette components, which can exacerbate these issues 2.
Cognitive Impairments
Cognitive impairments such as attention deficits and poor sleep quality have also been reported among those who quit vaping. These effects are likely due to the withdrawal from nicotine and other substances found in e-cigarettes that affect brain function 2.
Conclusion
Quitting vaping can lead to a range of physical, psychological, social, and cognitive side effects. While some individuals may experience improvements in well-being and daily functioning over time, others may face increased stress, anxiety, and social maladjustments. The continued use of nicotine through vaping may help manage stress in the short term, but the long-term effects remain uncertain. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of quitting vaping and to develop effective support strategies for those looking to quit.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Use of Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Aid: A Review of Clinical Trials
Vaping is an effective method for smoking cessation and is associated with a lower risk of adverse events compared to combustible cigarettes.
Systematic ReviewOn the potential harmful effects of E-Cigarettes (EC) on the developing brain: The relationship between vaping-induced oxidative stress and adolescent/young adults social maladjustment.
E-cigarette use, both nicotine and non-nicotine, may contribute to social maladjustments in adolescents and young adults, including poor learning, increased aggression, and increased depression and suicidal ideation.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedExperienced Effects on Well-Being following Smoking Cessation: Findings from the 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Quitting smoking improves well-being more than declines, with more positive effects observed over time, but daily vaping use does not significantly impact well-being, except for better stress coping among vapers.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalPerceived health and capacity to cope with stress in recent ex-smokers: Impact of vaping vs quitting all nicotine.
Continued nicotine use via e-cigarettes may initially improve stress management and perceived health in recent ex-smokers, but long-term health effects require further research.
Observational StudyReal-world vaping experiences and smoking cessation among cigarette smoking adults.
Better vaping experiences, particularly in relationships and side effects, can increase the odds of successful smoking cessation among smokers who vape to quit smoking.
Observational Studye-Cigarette Cessation: Content Analysis of a Quit Vaping Community on Reddit
E-cigarette users prefer gradual reduction and use distraction techniques, such as hobbies and mindfulness, to quit, with barriers being withdrawal symptoms and addiction intensity.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalOnline Searches for Quitting Vaping During the 2019 Outbreak of E‐cigarette or Vaping Product Use‐Associated Lung Injury
During the 2019 EVALI outbreak, internet searches for quitting e-cigarettes/vaping increased, potentially due to health concerns and state bans on sales.
Observational StudyVaping in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review
Vaping in pregnancy has insufficient data to draw conclusions on smoking cessation and has little or no effect on birthweight.
Systematic ReviewImpact of vaping on respiratory health
Vaping is not without risk, and further investigation is needed to establish clear public policy guidance and regulation.
Literature ReviewRigorous JournalVaping effects on asthma: results from a web survey and clinical investigation
Vaping does not worsen asthma symptoms and significantly improves asthma control and quality of life for asthmatic patients who switch from tobacco smoking to e-cigs, without affecting pulmonary function tests.
Observational StudyRigorous Journal