According to a 2020 study conducted by the CDC, 3.02 million American high schoolers vape daily.

  Many people consider it a healthier alternative to cigarettes. Regular tobacco cigarettes can deliver about 7,000 toxic chemicals into your lungs; vaping has proven to dispense less. However, this does not mean E-cigarettes are safe. The alternative can still deliver heavy metals, volatile compounds and other cancer-causing chemicals into your body. Like smoking cigarettes, vaping can cause breathing difficulties, rapid onsets of coughing and other uncomfortable symptoms. No matter these consequences, people still turn to E-cigarettes for a multitude of reasons.

  At Westmoore, one of the top causes of suspension is getting caught with a vape or a drug-related issue. “District disciplinary policy states that students can’t vape at school, can’t bring drugs, there are criminal and disciplinary offenses associated with vaping or bringing drugs to school,” head principal Danny Reed said. “It’s a statewide issue. When you drive around, you see numerous vape stores and marijuana dispensaries, which suggests that there is a high supply and a high demand for it,” Reed said. In 2019, analysts compiled data from the CDC to conclude which state had the most prominent vape-user count. Oklahoma topped the chart with a crude prevalence of 7.1%.

An anonymous Westmoore student shared their story about their struggle with addiction.

In cigarettes and E-cigarettes, nicotine releases a chemical called dopamine into the brain. It creates a happy feeling, but one that does not last. As your brain gets used to this feeling, it begins to require more and more to sustain it. The more you use it, the more your body gets used to it, making nicotine so addictive.

“I have been vaping since my sophomore year. I honestly started because one of my friends introduced me to it. As a freshman, I never would have vaped. However, I got to a very low place in my sophomore year mentally. Everything felt out of my control and vaping was a vice for me; it was something that I had control over when everything else in my life felt a mess.”

Getting clean of nicotine can be difficult but not impossible. In a study by The DrugWatch, nicotine withdrawals are the worst during the first week. Once the week passes by, the urge to smoke starts to lessen. But when someone is addicted to it, the idea of quitting seems futile.

“Scientifically, vaping affects the brain, which already made it something my mind and body liked. But more than the chemical aspect of it, during my sophomore year, my eating disorder spiraled out of control and nicotine was a way to suppress my appetite and ‘get a grip’ when I felt Depressed or Lost. I’ve always seen myself as mentally mature, and I’ve been ready to move out and go to college since freshman year. Vaping gives me a small taste of that freedom I’m ready to have but too young to access. I think I’ve equated vaping and nicotine to trying to get help and cope with my problems today.”

Getting clean of nicotine can be difficult but not impossible. In a study by The DrugWatch, nicotine withdrawals are the worst during the first week. Once the week passes by, the urge to smoke starts to lessen. But when someone is addicted to it, the idea of quitting seems futile.

Of American high schoolers, 14.1 % vape frequently, according to a study conducted by FDA in 2022. If you are part of this group, quitting is always an option, and it is not impossible and you do not have to be alone. Those struggling with addiction can text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709 to access an E-cigarette quit program.