Hundreds of families are affected by their kids’ choices every single day. However, most of the time, these choices are trivial. They are simple encounters and don’t have adverse consequences. Despite this, many teenagers all over the world are beginning to have experiences with many dangerous activities. They involve themselves in risky situations, just to get a thrill. One of these increasingly perilous circumstances, vaping, has been on the rise in recent years. Due to its incredibly addictive nature, teens are finding it extremely difficult to quit, and its effects are awful. More so, the effects on an individual’s personal relationships are jarring. It can ripple, spreading to those they care about.
One of the most significant concerns about vaping is the impact it has on a person’s health. When a person vapes, they are essentially inhaling toxic chemicals into their lungs/other organs. This can cause catastrophic side effects, eventually causing intense sickness. When these teens become ill and have to be hospitalized, the bills that result from medical care can set families back hundreds of thousands of dollars. Families may find themselves unable to pay for these medical expenses and experience unexpected financial stress. According to the article “What Are the Early Warning Signs of Vaping Illness?” written by Marisa Cohen and reviewed by Melinda Retini, MS, DO., such sickness can require the administration of corticosteroids (to lessen inflammation) or ventilator placement. These are expensive costs, and easily cost upwards $1500 per day. Financial resources from teens’ family members can become strained.
The health effects of vaping aren’t only reserved for those who are vaping. Individuals who frequently vape around family members/close friends are exposing them to the harsh chemicals released into the air. They breathe in the vapor, and become addicted in smaller doses. This is better known as “secondhand smoke”. Vapers often don’t even realize these severe health issues are likely consequences their behavior would cause those they care about to face.
Another serious concern over vaping is the emotional strain it puts over familial and friendly relationships. Vapers may take advantage of those they are close with, whether for financial or mental reasons. This may cause an added tension to family gatherings or interventions. In some instances, those who care about vapers may feel hesitant about how to broach the subject. They are unsure about balancing discipline with understanding, because while offering support is necessary, there must be some sort of ramifications.
To most, vaping is simply something they hear and speak in hushed whispers about. It is difficult to truly recognize the effects of it unless you personally deal with it. My sister, 19, vapes. Her intentions going into it were pure. She has suffered from anxiety from a very early age, like most teens who get into the habit. However, she didn’t realize that not only would it not help, it would only make things worse.
Over the course of her vape struggle, she has suffered greatly. She has had health issues, strained relationships with our family and her friends, and an overall decreased happiness. I asked her if she regretted starting, and her response was enlightening. “It’s super unhealthy. It controls your life…It’s not worth the damage or money that goes into it, and it only gets you into trouble.” She said, Hearing this type of reply from my older sister, the one who is supposed to be the role model for me, was saddening. But even more so, her regret was relieving.
Vaping is 100% not worth it. The struggle is not worth it. The terrible effects that ripple and spread to those who vapers’ care about is not worth it.
