Vaping is a common activity on college campuses. Whether it’s recreational or an addiction-based habit, it happens often. However, there are several health risks that may not be thinking of when they choose to vape. 

Here are some reasons why you should not start vaping and why you should quit if you do. 

Statistics

According to a study by Statista, 75% of college students report vaping. Pew Research also states, “The uptick in vaping among college students for nicotine (from 6% in 2017 to 16% in 2018) and marijuana (from 5% to 11%) were among the greatest one-year increases for any substance asked about since the survey was first administered in 1975.”

This jump, specifically in vaping statistics, is highly concerning. This number continues to rise despite the many health risks involved. 

Health Aspects to Vaping: Pros and Cons

It is widely believed that vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this fact is true, but vaping is still not safe. In recent years, there has been an outbreak of injuries and death directly associated with vaping.

Johns Hopkins Medicine also states that vaping can lead to heart and lung complications. According to Dr. Michael Joseph Blaha, “It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack.”

Nicotine is a toxic and addictive substance. The scariest part of using nicotine products is many unknown complications occur from long-term use. 

That being said, NBC News states that with the rise of vaping teens, opioid usage and binge drinking has declined. 

Students Vaping

I spoke to real-life students on campus about vaping. One of the students states that they began vaping in the tenth grade of high school. I asked a series of questions, but the biggest trend was students vaping as a coping mechanism that counteracts anxiety. One student stated that they specifically began vaping to help with stress and anxiety. 

Another common answer was because it was common within their friend group. 

I spoke to another student who quit vaping for a religious event called Lent. During the entire forty-day period of Lent, he only slipped up once. He states, “Giving it [vaping] up for Lent showed me that I could give it up for good and not miss it other than giving in that one time to destress,”

Smoke-Free Teen says that anxiety and stress can trigger vaping cravings, especially for those who have vaped in the past.  This may be an explanation as to why vaping is such a prominent activity with people of college-age. With assignments, often being away from home, and so many other anxiety-inducing events, it makes sense as to why teens and young adults reach for a vape to cope. 

Do not give up! These cravings can be beaten!

Delta State Univ.’s Statement on Vaping

The Delta State Univ. campus policies state that the campus is a “Vapor and Tobacco Free Environment.”  

Campus officials state: “Delta State University prohibits the use of all vapor devices and tobacco products, which includes but is not limited to; the emitting or discharging into the environment of any secondhand tobacco smoke from whatever conveyance or location, on its campus or during university business. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors on Delta State University property, in its facilities, or while conducting business.”

On their official webpage that addresses the use of tobacco products, they address the health concerns, even those of secondhand exposure. 

With so many health issues connected to the use of these products, the school has chosen to set in place a consequence for those using any vapor or tobacco products. They state, “This policy shall be enforced by the Delta State University Police Department. Each violation of this policy is punishable by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50) and/or appropriate campus disciplinary procedures.”

This campus, its faculty, and its officials are committed to ensuring the safety of the students.

Final Statement

With all of the health risks involved with vaping, it is the best decision to not vape, even if it is a tool to quit smoking cigarettes. There are a number of resources online and across campus through the Office of Health Services to start the journey to quitting nicotine products.