Benefits of Vaping for Anxiety and Depression

What Is Vaping?

Vaping involves using a small handheld device containing a liquid that you can breathe into your lungs. It is quite similar to smoking a cigarette, but vaping heats tiny e-liquid particles instead of burning tobacco. 

The vaping device, vape pen, or e-cigarette heats the liquid to create an aerosol. It is worth mentioning here that this is not water vapor since this mist from e-cigarettes contains nicotine particles, flavoring, and other substances held in the air. You breathe these particles into your mouth via a mouthpiece, from where they go into your throat and finally into your lungs. Vaping is done using a device called an electronic cigarette. An e-cigarette comprises the following parts:

• A tank, pod, or cartridge to hold the vape juice
• A heating element for converting liquid vape juice into breathable particles
• A battery to power the heating system
• A control button
• A mouthpiece to inhale vape juice

You can easily purchase the e-liquid of your choice from the market. However, for purchasing high-dose CBD vape juice, you might need a medical marijuana card. 

How Can Vaping Manage Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression?

E-liquids used in vaping contain stimulants like nicotine, which make you feel relaxed as soon as they enter your body. These natural stimulants interfere with the neurotransmitter pathways in your body and trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, which produces feelings of relaxation and pleasure. As a result, the individual feels temporarily relieved from anxiety and depression. However, this is just a short effect as these “feel good” chemicals don’t last long. Within a few hours, the effect of the stimulant wears off, and you start craving it again. 

Types of Vapes

Many varieties of electronic cigarettes or vapes are available in the market, having different names, such as vape pens or sticks, e-hookahs, hookah sticks, mods, and personal vapors (PVs). Have a look at these two types of vapes:

• Disposable Vapes  

Disposable vapes, also known as disposable electronic cigarettes, are pre-filled electronic vaping devices. They come with vape juice loaded inside. You can take them straight out of the box and start using them if they come pre-charged. Disposable vapes come in different flavors. You can purchase the flavor of your choice. Unlike reusable vapes, disposable vapes do not require refilling and maintenance and offer a simple and hassle-free vaping experience.

• Pod / Mod Systems

Pod or mod vapes are another compact device containing a battery, a heating element, and replaceable vape juice pods. Pods are closed-system puff-activated vapes that can be used conveniently. Just click a pod in place, switch the device on, and inhale to vape. Pods are available in different nicotine strengths and flavors. They are rechargeable and can be refilled. 

Types of E-Liquid

Here are the different types of vape juices available in the market:

• Freebase Nicotine

Traditional nicotine solutions containing nicotine molecules freely suspended in a base material are called “freebase nicotine solutions.” These vape juices are potent and have a slightly rasping effect and a throat hit. While many people find it satisfying, others may not like it. 

• CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent or active ingredient in marijuana. While CBD is a core component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or prepared in the laboratory. It won’t give you a “high” sensation and offers a lot of therapeutic benefits. 

Different types of CBD vape oils are available in the market that you can consume with your healthcare professional’s advice. These vape juices can help you get relief from different symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

• TFN

Tobacco-free nicotine e-liquid, also known as synthetic nicotine or TFN e-juice, is a new form of vape juice that has been made to replace nicotine derived from the tobacco plant. TFN vape juices are affordable and accessible. Some popular TFN e-liquid flavors include watermelon, mango, and lychee. 

• Salt Nicotine

Salt nicotine vape juice contains benzoic acid that reduces the alkalinity of the nicotine solution. As a result, salt nicotine vape juices become far smoother when inhaled with less throat hit. Many new vapers prefer salt nicotine because it is gentle. Some individuals who are trying to quit smoking also use these vape juices to combat cravings. 

Reasons to Choose Vaping Over Smoking

Here are some reasons why you should choose vaping over smoking:

• Less Odour

Vaping produces less odour than cigarettes. Cigarettes create a strong lingering smell due to the combustion of tobacco and other products, vaping emits vapour that is less pungent and flavored. 

• Lower Toxicity

Vaping exposes you to fewer toxic chemicals than smoking. Traditional cigarette smoke, on the other hand, produces a deadly mix of around 7000 chemicals. 

• Less Mess

Vaping provides you relief from anxiety and depression without creating any mess, whereas cigarettes leave ash or butts behind. 

• Better Flavor

Vapes are available in a variety of flavors, from minty to fruity ones. They provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience, while cigarettes have a lingering, bitter aftertaste.

Risks of Vaping

Although vaping is less harmful than smoking, it is not harmless. Have a look at how vaping can affect your body:

• Organ Damage: The harmful chemicals, such as nicotine, present in vape juice can damage your heart and brain. Nicotine can affect your brain development, narrow your arteries, and raise your blood pressure.  
• Respiratory Problems: Vapers are more likely to experience respiratory problems like asthma symptoms. It can also worsen the existing asthma. Some vape juice flavors contain diacetyl, a chemical that can cause a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as popcorn lung. Bronchiolitis obliterans can cause permanent scarring in your lungs.
• EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated injury): It is a serious lung problem caused by vaping. EVALI can cause serious damage to your lungs and give you symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. This condition can sometimes be fatal. 
• Explosions: The batteries present in vaping devices can explode, causing injuries and burns. 
• Addiction: Nicotine present in vape juices is highly addictive, so you can end up getting addicted to it. 

Use Vapes to Enhance Your Mental Well-Being!               

Vapes can provide relief from the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Vape juices containing CBD and nicotine affect the neurotransmitter pathways in our body that release dopamine. Vaping is less toxic and less messy than smoking and offers flavors to the users. However, consistent vaping can be harmful to health, so it’s better to vape in moderation.