Tobacco and Vaping Addiction

Tobacco, cultivated for its leaves, undergoes drying and fermentation for use in various products. Its addictive nature primarily stems from nicotine, a potent chemical that stimulates the brain, contributing to dependency and making quitting difficult.

Tobacco Composition and Risks

• Natural Compounds: Tobacco leaves contain organic compounds contributing to their aroma and taste.
• Harmful Chemicals: Burning tobacco produces harmful compounds linked to health issues.
• Addictive Properties: Nicotine in tobacco triggers dopamine release, reinforcing the habit.
• Health Risks: Tobacco use exposes users to chemicals like tar and carcinogens, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Porch Light Health addresses both physical nicotine dependency and psychological aspects of addiction, offering comprehensive support for those seeking to overcome tobacco addiction.

Tobacco usage varies significantly, catering to different preferences and cultural practices. Here's an overview of the common methods through which people consume tobacco:

Smoking Tobacco

• Cigarettes: The most widely recognized form, often available in various brands and flavors.
• Cigars and cigarillos: Larger than cigarettes, they offer a more prolonged smoking experience.
• Bidis and kreteks are traditional forms found in some cultures and are known for their distinct flavors.
• Pipes: Involves smoking loose tobacco; it's a practice often seen as a traditional or leisure activity.
• Hookahs (water pipes): A communal form of smoking where flavored tobacco is smoked through a water basin.

Chewing Tobacco

• Chewing tobacco: Typically placed between the cheek and gum, slowly releasing nicotine.
• Dip: A finer grind of tobacco, held in the mouth rather than chewed.
• Snus: A moist form of smokeless tobacco, often in small pouches, placed under the upper lip.

Snuffing Tobacco

• Dry snuff: Finely ground tobacco that is sniffed into the nostrils.
• Moist snuff (dip): This can also be placed in the mouth, as mentioned earlier.

While these methods of consumption vary, they all expose users to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. It's important to recognize the health risks associated with tobacco use, regardless of the form it takes. If you or someone you know is struggling with tobacco addiction, it’s never too late to seek help.

Vaping is inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, commonly referred to as vapor, produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device. Unlike traditional smoking, vaping does not involve burning tobacco. Instead, e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid—commonly known as e-juice or vape juice—into a vapor that the user inhales. Although the liquid used in e-cigarettes does not contain tobacco, it typically contains nicotine, an addictive substance derived from tobacco, along with flavorings and other chemicals. 

While often perceived as a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes, vaping still exposes users to nicotine, an addictive substance, and other harmful chemicals. The popularity of vaping has grown significantly, especially among younger demographics, partly due to the variety of flavors and the perception of reduced health risks compared to smoking tobacco. However, health authorities continue to evaluate the long-term effects and potential risks associated with vaping. In reality, e-cigarette use has been deemed a serious public health concern by public health agencies and professional organizations worldwide.

Myths and Risks about Vaping and e-cigarettes

• Perceived Safety: E-cigarettes are frequently advertised as safer than traditional cigarettes, but this doesn't guarantee they are risk-free.
• Impact on Pregnancy: Traditional smoking during pregnancy poses serious risks, and the full effects of e-cigarette use in this context are not yet fully understood.
• Secondhand Vapor: The vapor from e-cigarettes may also present health risks for bystanders, including increased risk of bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath. More research is needed to understand the risks associated with vaping.

Considering the uncertainties surrounding e-cigarettes and traditional smoking, it's important to be cautious. Porch Light Health offers support for those struggling with e-cigarette or tobacco addiction, guiding them toward a healthier future.

Tobacco's influence on the brain is primarily due to nicotine, a potent component that rapidly assimilates into the bloodstream upon usage. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how tobacco affects the brain and overall well-being:

Activation of Adrenal Glands

When nicotine enters the bloodstream, it prompts the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, commonly known as adrenaline. This surge in adrenaline leads to a noticeable increase in blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.

Stimulation of the Central Nervous System

Nicotine's interaction with the central nervous system is significant. It creates heightened alertness and energy, similar to the response triggered by stress or excitement.

Triggering the Brain’s Reward Circuits

Much like powerful drugs such as cocaine and heroin, nicotine activates the brain’s reward circuits. This activation results in the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. The increased dopamine levels contribute to the feeling of euphoria and relaxation often reported by tobacco users.

Reinforcement of Rewarding Behaviors

The dopamine release reinforces the behavior of tobacco use, making the act of smoking or chewing tobacco more rewarding and thus more habitual.

Other Chemicals in Tobacco

Research indicates that other chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as acetaldehyde, may intensify nicotine’s effects on the brain. This combination of chemicals can enhance the addictive potential of smoking and vaping, making it harder for users to quit.

Tobacco use stands as the primary contributor to avoidable fatalities and health issues within the United States. Specifically, the consumption of tobacco, such as in cigarettes, is associated with various health concerns, including but not limited to:

• Lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and numerous other cancer types
• Heart disease and stroke
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Complications during pregnancy
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Onset of Type 2 diabetes
• Visual impairment
• Development of rheumatoid arthritis

Nicotine, while a common substance in various smoking and vaping products, is found to be toxic in high doses. Overdose, although relatively rare, can occur under certain circumstances and is a serious medical concern. Nicotine overdose typically occurs when an individual, often a child, accidentally consumes nicotine-containing products like:

• Nicotine Gum or Patches: These are products intended for smoking cessation but can be harmful if chewed or ingested, especially by children.
• E-Cigarette Liquid: Ingestion of e-cigarette liquid, which is concentrated nicotine, is a common cause of overdose in young children.

Symptoms of a Nicotine Overdose or Nicotine Poisoning

It's crucial to identify the signs of nicotine overdose as early as possible. Common symptoms include:

• Excessive salivation or drooling
• Nausea
• Abnormally fast heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Respiratory issues and discomfort caused by excess mucus in the bronchial tubes
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• An abnormally slow heart rate, which can affect blood circulation
• Low blood pressure, potentially causing dizziness or fainting
• Lethargy, extreme tiredness, or lack of energy
• Paralysis in one or more body parts

In the event of a suspected nicotine overdose, especially involving children, immediate medical attention is critical. The situation should be treated as a medical emergency, given the potential severity of nicotine poisoning.

Recent FDA reports, in collaboration with the CDC, have highlighted serious lung illnesses linked to vaping, some leading to fatalities. Key findings in these investigations include:

• THC-Containing Products: Many cases involved vaping products containing THC, marijuana's psychoactive compound.
• Variety of Substances: Reports include individuals impacted by nicotine products, THC-containing products, and products containing nicotine combinations.
• Uncertain Causes: No single substance has been identified in all samples, leaving the exact cause of these illnesses unclear.

In response to these concerns, health officials advise:

• Do not use street-bought or illicit vaping products due to uncertain safety standards.
• Don’t modify products to prevent potential health risks.
• Do not use vaping products if you are pregnant.
• Use caution and monitor yourself for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain if you choose to use these products.
• Report adverse effects of any negative impacts from vaping.

Treating nicotine addiction effectively requires a comprehensive approach that combines behavioral treatments with medication. This strategy addresses both the physical dependency on nicotine and the psychological aspects of addiction.

Behavioral Treatments

• Intensive individual or group counseling services for cessation 
• Therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, are widely accepted forms of treatment for smoking cessation. Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness (ACT) are increasingly being incorporated into treatment for nicotine addiction as well
• Education and skills development with a focus on understanding addiction and learning coping strategies

Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs)

FDA-approved NRTs ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms and include:

• Chewing Gum: Discreet nicotine delivery via the mouth.
• Transdermal Patch: Steady nicotine release through the skin.
• Nasal Sprays: Rapid nicotine delivery through the nasal passages.
• Inhalers: Simulate smoking, delivering nicotine through the mouth and throat.
• Lozenges: Dissolve in the mouth for nicotine absorption.

These replacement tools are often covered by insurance, and your medical provider can help you with dosing, type of replacement and frequency of use to optimize your success rate.

Other Medications for Nicotine Cessation

• Bupropion (Zyban®): Initially for depression, it is now used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Varenicline (Chantix®): Targets nicotine receptors in the brain, easing withdrawal symptoms and blocking nicotine’s effects to prevent relapse.

Combining these medications with behavioral therapies offers a holistic approach to overcoming the challenges of quitting smoking or vaping.

Government Regulation of Tobacco Products

The FDA's May 5, 2016 ruling significantly expanded U.S. tobacco regulations, covering a wider array of products to address health risks and prevent minor access:

• E-cigarettes and liquid solutions: Increasingly popular, especially among youth.
• Cigars: Now subject to stricter scrutiny.
• Hookah tobacco: Regulated similarly to other tobacco forms.
• Pipe tobacco: Faces comparable regulations.

This regulation's key aim is to reduce tobacco use among young people, limit their exposure to tobacco's harmful effects, and address public health concerns related to early-age tobacco use.

Porch Light Health supports these efforts through behavioral treatments for nicotine addiction, including self-help materials and counseling services, to help develop coping strategies and quit plans. If you or someone you know is looking for additional support on tobacco cessation, contact us today by calling 800-685-9796 or filling out a new patient registration form. We are committed to guiding individuals on their journey to a smoke-free life.

Resources and Support for Smoking and Vaping Addiction in Colorado

Alongside the comprehensive services available at Porch Light Health, you can find additional assistance through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' national toll-free quitline. By calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, you gain access to essential information and guidance to help you take your first step toward a smoke-free life. It's a great resource for those ready to embark on their journey to quit smoking.

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a smoke-free life? Porch Light Health is here to guide you every step of the way. Our team of dedicated professionals understands the challenges of quitting smoking and is committed to providing personalized care and effective treatment options tailored to your needs. Whether you're exploring nicotine replacement therapies, considering non-nicotine medications, or seeking comprehensive behavioral support, we're here to help.

Don't let another day pass in the shadow of smoking addiction. Contact Porch Light Health today at 866-394-6123, or visit one of our 60 care points across Colorado and New Mexico to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support you in achieving a healthier, smoke-free future. Your path to recovery and wellness begins here.