top of page
Search

Mental Health and Vaping: A Dangerous Coping Mechanism

Key Points:

  • Many teens vape to manage stress, anxiety, or depression

  • Nicotine and THC can worsen mental health symptoms over time

  • Supportive conversations and alternatives can help teens find healthier coping strategies


For many teens, vaping isn't just about curiosity or peer pressure, it's a way to cope.

Stressful school demands, social isolation, family tension, or past trauma can make teens feel overwhelmed. In response, some turn to vaping as a quick escape or a way to “take the edge off.” However, what feels like temporary relief often turns into a dangerous cycle that harms both mental and physical health.

Helping teens understand this connection, and offering compassionate alternatives, is essential to prevention.



Why Teens Turn to Vaping for Relief

The adolescent years come with intense emotional highs and lows. According to the CDC, more than 40% of high school students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless. For some, vaping may seem like a fast, accessible solution to manage those feelings.

Vapes lined up.

Teens may say they vape because:

  • “It helps me calm down”

  • “It helps me focus”

  • “It takes the stress away”

  • “I feel less anxious when I use it”

Unfortunately, nicotine and cannabis, the substances most commonly used in vape devices, can actually intensify the very symptoms that teens are trying to escape.


The Science Behind the Cycle


Nicotine impacts the brain’s dopamine system, temporarily improving mood and focus. But, the effect is short-lived, and when it wears off, the brain craves more. This leads to:

  • Mood swings

  • Irritability and restlessness

  • Increased anxiety

  • Lowered motivation

THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, may cause euphoria in small doses, but it can lead to:

  • Memory and concentration problems

  • Paranoia or panic attacks

  • Reduced emotional regulation

Research shows that teens who vape are more likely to experience:

  • Depression

  • Generalized anxiety disorder

  • Low self-esteem

  • Sleep disturbances

A 2023 study by the American Heart Association found that more than half of youth who vaped reported significant symptoms of depression, compared to only 25% of non-users. The Risks of Self-Medicating with Substances


A teenager holding vapes.

Teens who vape to cope with emotional struggles are at higher risk for:

  • Nicotine addiction, which can exacerbate anxiety and mood disorders

  • Dual use of nicotine and cannabis, increasing dependence and health complications

  • Avoidance of healthier coping tools, like therapy, exercise, or social connection

  • Progression to other substances in search of stronger relief

These patterns may start in adolescence but can continue into adulthood, making it harder to break the cycle later. What Parents, Educators, and Schools Can Do


  1. Start with Curiosity, Not Judgement If you suspect a teen is vaping to manage stress or sadness, ask open-ended questions such as: “How have you been feeling lately?” “What do you usually do when you're feeling overwhelmed?”

    “What do you think vaping does for you?” Avoid accusations. Show that your goal is understanding, not punishment.

  2. Normalize Mental Health Conversations Talking more openly about stress, sadness, or anxiety helps reduce shame. When teens feel safe, they’re more likely to seek help before reaching for a vape.

  3. Offer Healthy Alternatives Encourage activities that release natural feel-good chemicals:

    • Exercise or outdoor movement

    • Art, music, or journaling

    • Talking to a trusted adult or peer

    • Mindfulness or breathing exercises

    • School-based wellness programs can also make a big difference.


  4. Know When to Involve a Professional

    If a teen shows signs of chronic anxiety, depression, or substance dependence, don’t hesitate to involve a school counselor, pediatrician, or licensed therapist. Early intervention is key.


The Bottom Line


Teens may use vaping as a way to cope, but it’s a coping mechanism that can worsen the very problems they’re trying to escape.

With empathy, education, and consistent support, we can help teens find healthier ways to manage their stress and protect their future mental health.

By The Zeptive Team

References:

  1. American Heart Association. (2023). Depression & anxiety symptoms linked to vaping nicotine and THC in teens and young adults. https://newsroom.heart.org

  2. Goriounova NA, Mansvelder HD. Short- and long-term consequences of nicotine exposure during adolescence for prefrontal cortex neuronal network function. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2012;2(12):a012120. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a012120

  3. CDC. (2023). Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

  4. Chadi N, Hadland SE, Harris SK. Understanding the implications of the “vaping epidemic” among adolescents and young adults: A call for action. Subst Abus. 2019;40(1):7-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2019.1580241

  5. Morean ME, Kong G, Camenga DR, Krishnan-Sarin S. Psychosocial functioning of adolescents who use e-cigarettes and cannabis. Subst Use Misuse. 2018;53(12):2033–2040. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2018.1455701

 
 
 
bottom of page