The Dangers of E-Cigarette Addiction Among Teenagers: Expert Advice

Aug.06.2024
The Dangers of E-Cigarette Addiction Among Teenagers: Expert Advice
A Russian psychologist warns that even disposable e-cigarettes can harm memory, attention, and cognition, especially in teenagers.

On August 6th, according to AIF.RU, a psychologist in Russia stated in an interview that their research shows that even occasional use of disposable e-cigarettes can significantly impair memory, attention, and cognitive function. If adolescents frequently use e-cigarettes, these changes can be fatal and irreversible. Therefore, she advised parents of these teenagers to help their children break free from this harmful dependency.


Vera Nikishina, a professor and psychology PhD at the Russian State Medical University's Institute of Clinical Psychology and Social Work, stated in an interview with aif.ru that,...


After several years of widespread use and easy access at all points of sale, e-cigarettes have become the most popular addictive behavior among adolescents.


We can say with certainty that e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, other e-cigarettes, or chemicals such as energy drinks are all factors that can lead to addictive behaviors.


Psychologists further explain:


The mechanisms underlying physical dependence may vary, but those underlying psychological dependence are nearly universal. Due to imitative behavior, this type of dependence is widely spread. Hence, we begin to question: What are the effects of e-cigarettes on mental and physical health?


Our research shows that even with disposable use, the functionality of memory, attention, and thinking will significantly decline. If adolescents frequently use e-cigarettes, these changes will be fatal and irreversible.


How should parents handle it? Parents are deeply concerned about how to help their children break free from this harmful dependency. Psychologists suggest that first, the length of time e-cigarettes are used should be assessed, a conversation with the child should take place without blame or anger. Secondly, the frequency of use needs to be determined.


Psychologist Nikki Hina pointed out that the ingredients in e-cigarettes are not clear, and claims of safety and harmlessness are just slogans.


During our time at the school, we observed that teenagers were finding opportunities to use e-cigarettes approximately every 45 minutes, demonstrating signs of addiction. Furthermore, when unable to use them, the children would become anxious, irritable, and experience changes in their physical condition.


After ruling out potential issues, the final recommendation is to seek the help of a neuropsychologist to assess the child's neurocognitive state. Parents should avoid negative reactions and comments throughout the process to prevent the child from reverting to bad habits. Utilizing visual methods such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can visually show changes in the lungs and brain to help the child realize the seriousness of the problem. If these methods prove ineffective, it is advised for parents to seek help from professionals. In some cases, professional intervention is unavoidable.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

PMI Q2 Revenue Rises 10.4% as IQOS and VEEV Expand, U.S. ZYN Growth Slows
PMI Q2 Revenue Rises 10.4% as IQOS and VEEV Expand, U.S. ZYN Growth Slows
Philip Morris International’s second-quarter net revenues rose 10.4% to a record $11.19 billion, as heated tobacco and e-vapor expanded across international markets. IQOS remained the main smoke-free growth engine, while VEEV shipments jumped 55.1%. In the United States, however, ZYN shipments increased just 1.8% and consumer offtake was broadly flat to slightly higher. Cigarette volumes also rose, showing that PMI’s transformation is advancing, but growth is becoming increasingly uneven across categories and markets.
PMI
Jul.22
  South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea Reopens Cigarette Tax Debate as 63% Back Higher Tobacco Taxes
South Korea’s cigarette tax debate has resurfaced after the Ministry of Health and Welfare said tobacco price policy needed review, with a poll showing 63% of respondents support higher tobacco taxes.
Regulations
Jun.22
Nearly Half of Seoul Vape Vending Machines Bypassed by Fake IDs, Raising Youth Access Concerns
Nearly Half of Seoul Vape Vending Machines Bypassed by Fake IDs, Raising Youth Access Concerns
Seoul city authorities inspected 339 tobacco vending machines at e-cigarette retailers and found that 168, or 49.5%, allowed purchases using fake IDs, showing that unmanned retail terminals and adult-verification systems remain a major enforcement gap after e-cigarettes were brought under tobacco regulation.
Market
Jul.03 by 2Firsts Perspectives
BAT UK Director Tolga Kilic Says Illicit Nicotine Market Squeezes Legal Retailers Amid Rising Compliance Costs
BAT UK Director Tolga Kilic Says Illicit Nicotine Market Squeezes Legal Retailers Amid Rising Compliance Costs
UK retail publication Grocery Trader has published a viewpoint article from Tolga Kilic, Commercial Director for BAT UK & Ireland, discussing the impact of illicit nicotine products on legitimate retail channels. Kilic said illegal vapes and other illicit nicotine products create competitive pressure for compliant retailers and called for stronger market controls and supply-chain oversight. The comments come as the UK advances policies including the disposable vape ban and Vaping Products Duty, creating a more complex operating environment for legal vape retailers.
Jul.28
Ohio Supreme Court Weighs Whether State Consumer Law Can Restrict Flavored Vape Sales
Ohio Supreme Court Weighs Whether State Consumer Law Can Restrict Flavored Vape Sales
The Ohio Supreme Court is hearing a case involving flavored vape sales and whether state authorities can use consumer protection laws to take action against retailers selling unauthorized vape products. Ohio officials argue that selling unauthorized flavored vapes may constitute consumer deception, while retailers argue that tobacco product regulation falls under federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority and that states cannot impose additional restrictions through consumer laws. The case could affect the scope of state-level vape regulation across the United States.
Aug.06
Spain Plans to Extend Smoking Ban to Terraces and Beaches, Bringing Vapes Under New Restrictions
Spain Plans to Extend Smoking Ban to Terraces and Beaches, Bringing Vapes Under New Restrictions
Spain is advancing a new tobacco-control reform that would expand smoking restrictions to additional public spaces, including restaurant terraces and beaches, while bringing vaping and other nicotine products into the same regulatory framework. The proposed measures aim to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, protect young people and expand smoke-free environments. The proposal remains under legislative development, and final implementation details have not yet been confirmed.
Jul.23