"I vaped constantly to the point of finding it harder to take breaths in..." New study reveals how vaping controls lives
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health / Public Health Association of Australia
A new study published today unveils the daily reality of vaping addiction among younger Australians, showcasing how the products are disrupting lives and even being relied on for stress-relief.
The research comes as nicotine industry advocates renew lobbying for the highly addictive products to be more freely available. Health experts say the findings demonstrate how people’s lives and mental health are influenced by nicotine addiction, as well highlighting the need for more tailored support programmes for those already addicted.
The study, led by the University of Melbourne and published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, recruited 72 Australians aged 14 – 39 who used vapes.
Senior author Professor Michelle Jongenelis, Co-Convenor of the Public Health Association of Australia’s, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Special Interest Group, says that the qualitative study is the first of its kind to use an app-based diary to capture vaping habits through photos, diary entries and audio recordings.
“Unlike a mass survey, this research was unique in that it allowed those who use vapes to tell us about their vaping experiences, in their own words and pictures, and in real time as they were going about their day.
“The research analysed over 480 diary entries revealing three key themes – that vaping is an integrated part of people’s daily routine, preoccupation with vaping often causes disruption, distress and shame, and that some use vapes as a tool for stress relief and self-care."
Encouraging recent figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveal that vaping rates have stabilised since stronger restrictions were introduced across Australia.
“But we mustn’t forget that there are many young people already addicted to vaping. The nicotine and tobacco industry consistently tries to downplay the harms of vapes and nicotine, but this study shows that they are far from innocuous. This is harm initiation, not harm reduction, in action,” says Professor Jongenelis.
Research participants described how vaping has disrupted their lives. They reported finding it hard to focus, and feeling compelled to excuse themselves from social situations so they can vape.
“Today I started spiralling. My vape was burnt beyond repair, there’s no way it was usable. So I didn’t get my morning hit. It drove me insane. I was stressed out. I was too emotional to even function for god’s sake it was horrible” (Participant, 18 years)
“I vaped constantly to the point of finding it harder to take breaths in. I've been using my vape compulsively almost every 30 minutes… but I continue to use it consistently.” (Participant, 18 years)
Participants also talked about wanting to quit, or knowing they should, but not feeling they were able, causing feelings of shame.
“I feel like it's impossible to stop and I feel weak and ashamed.” (Participant, 31 years)
Professor Jongenelis says that use of vapes as a form of stress relief and self-care also highlights why it is difficult for so many younger people to quit.
“We really need to make sure all people who use vapes have the right support in place to quit. This includes helping people cope with stress in other ways.
“We know from other studies that young people are experiencing higher rates of mental health distress, but young people using vapes as stress relief is not the answer.”
Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO, Public Health Association of Australia, says the study reinforces the potential harms of vaping, particularly for younger people who aren’t smokers.
“This study uses young people’s own words to bring to life the reality of vaping dependence and addiction. The predatory nicotine industry continues to attempt to addict new nicotine users, some of whom move to smoking as well as vaping, while downplaying the potential harms of vaping and argue they should be more readily available.
“We can’t risk another generation becoming addicted to nicotine and must support those who are already struggling.
“Those who are trying to quit smoking can get vapes via pharmacies. That’s the only place where they belong. Through this system the objective is to ideally ween off nicotine addiction completely, and draw upon other supports to do so.”
For support to quit nicotine, visit quit.org.au, or call 13 78 48.
ENDS
Media Contact: Hollie Harwood, Strategic Communications Advisor, Public Health Association of Australia, 0400 762 010, [email protected]
“A day in the life: An ecological momentary assessment of people’s experiences with vaping” has been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health here.
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