What is the Addictive Potential from Vaping?

Abstract

Aim: The present study discusses the addictive potential from vaping heuristically in view of existing research literature. We also paying attention to aayouth perspective in a Norwegian context. Methods: The study compiled paradigmatic explanations of addiction and then conducted a narrative review of the sparse literature on vape addiction. We draw som conclusions based on the results from a number of review-based viewpoints. Findings: Addiction to e-cigarettes or vapes is typically characterized by daily use, the first inhalation of the day occurring shortly after waking up, use of nicotine-containing e-liquid, continued use despite an expressed desire to abstain, acknowledgment that persistent use may lead to health harm and the experience of withdrawal symptoms following abrupt cessation. Higher frequency of use, longer duration of use, elevated nicotine concentration in the e-liquid, prior cigarette smoking and the use of pod-based e-cigarettes containing nicotine salts appear to be associated with a greater degree of dependence. Nicotine addiction among vapers may originate from previous smoking, although individuals without any smoking history also exhibit withdrawal symptoms. Overall, the level of addiction among vapers appears to be lower than that observed among smokers. Conclusions: Among Norwegian youth, e-cigarette use is generally experimental, transient and infrequent, and the use of nicotine-free products is common. It is therefore likely that a small segment of young vapers meets established criteria for addiction. Nevertheless, irregular use in the early stages may evolve into more dependency-driven patterns of use over time.