How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Vaping?

In the UK, it’s estimated that we have around 4.5 million adult vapers and climbing. So, with vaping clearly becoming more popular, it’s no wonder that many are concerned about its potential for addiction.

But is it really addictive? And if so, how long does it take to get addicted to vaping? What’s in those e-cigarettes that makes them so hard to put down?

In this blog, we look at how long it takes to get addicted to vaping, what makes it addictive, the signs to watch out for, and how to stop if you or someone you know is struggling. We’ve also included helpful tips for parents worried about their kids vaping.

What Is Vaping?

For those who don’t know, vaping is essentially a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes.

Those who vape inhale the vapour produced by an electronic device. The result is a cloud of vapour that looks like smoke but has a distinct smell depending on the flavour of the e-liquid.

As of right now, there are also disposable vape devices (they’re getting banned in the UK in 2025), which come essentially ready to use with e-liquid already in them. These types of vapes last for a few days, depending on how much it’s used.

Is Vaping Addictive?

Yes. Vaping can actually be very addictive.

The main culprit here is nicotine. Nicotine can be found in the majority of e-liquids, and it’s a highly addictive substance. Disposable vapes also typically come pre-filled with liquids that have some level of nicotine in them, too.

When you vape, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, leading to a surge of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical in your brain. This can make people feel relaxed, which typically leads smokers to repeated use.

It’s worth mentioning that not all vapes contain nicotine. There are nicotine-free e-liquid options available, but they are less common.

Most people who vape do so with the intention of getting a nicotine hit or are simply unaware that the e-liquid they’re choosing has nicotine in it, which makes vaping addictive for the majority of users.

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Vaping?

So, how long does it take to get addicted to vaping? The answer is it can vary from person to person.

For some, it might only take days. In fact, the NHS has suggested that even if you were to use a vape only occasionally for a few days, that’s enough to become dependent on it.

Nicotine addiction has the potential to develop very quickly because of how it interacts with the brain. Each puff of a vape delivers nicotine to your brain in seconds, creating a cycle of craving and relief that can be hard to break, similar to what we see with cigarette smoking.

How Much Nicotine Is in a Vape?

The amount of nicotine in a vape depends on the device and the e-liquid used.

Some e-liquids contain as much nicotine as a traditional cigarette (roughly 12mg), while others have lower levels or none at all. Nicotine concentration in e-liquids is usually measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL) or as a percentage.

For example, a 2mg/mL e-liquid contains 2 milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid. This might not sound like much, but consider how many millilitres you might vape in a day. Some e-liquids have concentrations as high as 20mg/mL, which can deliver a significant amount of nicotine with each puff.

Many pod-based vapes (e.g. JUUL) use nicotine salts, which allow for higher nicotine concentrations and a smoother throat hit. This can make them particularly addictive. So, always check the nicotine content in your e-liquid to understand how much you’re consuming.

Who’s Most At Risk?

Certain groups of people are more at risk of becoming addicted to vaping. Unfortunately, children, teenagers and young adults are at the highest risk due to their developing brains, which are more sensitive to nicotine.

People who also have a history of smoking or who are exposed to high levels of stress or anxiety might be more likely to turn to vaping as a coping mechanism.

Peer pressure and social influences also play a significant role when it comes to children and teenagers. If their friends or family members vape, they might be more likely to try it themselves and subsequently become addicted to nicotine.

Action of Smoking and Health (ASH) has released statistics on just how many children are using vapes. They found that 20.5% of children between the ages of 11 and 17 have tried vaping at least once, which is a significant increase since 2020. One in five of the children involved in this research said it was because others around them were doing it, so they thought they’d also give it a go.

Is Vaping Better Than Smoking?

This is a common question, and the answer isn’t exactly a yes or no answer.

Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, and in some ways, it can be. But this is heavily dependant on the individual.

For example, vaping doesn’t produce tar, carbon monoxide, or many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. This means that, yes, it’s less damaging to your lungs compared to smoking. People also tend to use vapes as a way to quit smoking altogether, which usually happens by gradually reducing the amount of nicotine in their e-liquid as time goes on.

However, this doesn’t mean vaping is safe. Nicotine is still addictive and can have various negative effects on your health, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. The long-term effects of vaping are also still not fully understood or researched enough, but the growing evidence we do have suggests that it can cause a range of respiratory issues and other health problems, including chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease and asthma.

Another big issue with vaping in the context of nicotine addiction is that it can actually heighten a person’s dependence on nicotine. Due to the ease of vaping, users are more likely to consume higher levels of nicotine than they did when they used to smoke cigarettes.

So, to recap – vaping might be less harmful than smoking, but it’s not without its own risks. If you don’t smoke, it’s best not to start vaping.

Why Do I Vape More Than I Smoked?

For those who switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping, many people find that they vape more frequently than they previously smoked. And there are actually several reasons for this.

Vaping can simply be more convenient, accessible and socially acceptable. Especially in places where smoking isn’t allowed. Vaping devices are also easier to use discreetly, so you might find yourself taking more puffs throughout the day.

The design of vaping devices can also contribute to increased use. Many vapes are designed to be easy to carry and use, making it simple to take a quick puff whenever and wherever you want. Additionally, e-liquids come in various flavours, which can make vaping more enjoyable and tempting.

Also, the way nicotine is delivered through vaping can lead to more frequent use. Nicotine salts, in particular, provide a quicker and smoother hit, which can make you want to vape more often.

Common Signs of Vaping Addiction

Common signs include:

• You’re experiencing cravings for nicotine or feeling irritable without your vape.
• You’re using your vape first thing in the morning or frequently throughout the day.
• You’re finding it difficult to cut down or stop vaping.
• You’re vaping even when it’s incredibly inconvenient or not allowed in the space you’re in.
• You’re experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This can look like anxiety, restlessness, headaches, or trouble concentrating when you don’t vape.

How to Stop Vaping

As with any type of addiction, quitting vaping can be challenging. But it’s definitely possible.

• Tell people around you that you’re quitting. You might be more likely to stick it, and their support can make a huge difference.
• Remove all vaping devices. E-liquids. Chargers. The lot. It’ll help with reducing temptations when nicotine withdrawal symptoms start to emerge.
• Look for other ways to manage stress and cravings.
• Products like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can help manage withdrawal symptoms. Speak to your GP about this, as they’ll likely have lots of resources to help you with quitting vaping.
• Quitting is not easy, so remember that it’s a process. If you do have a slip-up, acknowledge it, let it go and keep going.

Are Your Kids Vaping? Advice for Parents

So, what do you do if you think your child might be vaping?

Start by having an honest conversation with your child. Ask them what they know about vaping and if they’ve tried it. Make sure to listen without judgment. Kids are more likely to open up if they don’t feel like they’re in trouble. Explain the risks associated with vaping, like how it can affect their lungs and overall health. Sometimes, they might not fully understand the dangers, and a little education can go a long way.

Also, be sure to set clear expectations and rules about vaping. Let your kids know that you don’t approve of it and why. Be firm but fair. It’s also a good idea to monitor their behaviour for any signs that they might be vaping, like unusual scents or changes in their health and sleep habits. And if you do catch them vaping, focus on support rather than punishment. Find out why they started (it’s likely either peer pressure, a new ‘cool’ thing to do or stress) and help them find healthier ways to cope.

The most important thing here is to keep the lines of communication open and to let your child know that you’re there for them. If you need advice or support, please get in touch today.

Posted on Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 2:19 pm in Addiction, Latest News.