Study Links Teen Vaping to Increased Risk of Smoking and Alcohol Use

A recent study published in the journal Tobacco Control reveals a concerning link between vaping among teenagers and young adults and an increased risk of engaging in smoking, marijuana use, and alcohol consumption. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for stronger public health measures to prevent youths from becoming addicted to e-cigarettes.

The analysis draws on data from 56 studies conducted between 2016 and 2024, highlighting that young people who vape are approximately three times more likely to start smoking compared to those who do not use e-cigarettes. Additionally, vaping is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of using marijuana, drinking alcohol, and binge drinking.

According to the findings, last year, 22 percent of 15- and 16-year-olds in Europe reported regular vaping, a noticeable increase from 14 percent five years prior. This trend raises alarms about the potential health issues linked to e-cigarette use. The study found that asthma diagnoses were between 20 percent and 36 percent higher among young vapers, with some reviews indicating increased risks of mental health problems, including suicide and brain injuries.

Su Golder, an associate professor in health science at the University of York and one of the study’s authors, stated, “The links between vaping and other issues were clear enough to make the case for stronger policy action to prevent young people from getting hooked on e-cigarettes.”

The potential health risks associated with youth vaping were also highlighted by Greg Hartwell, a clinical assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He noted that transitioning from vapes to traditional tobacco cigarettes could expose young people to the myriad harms associated with conventional smoking. “We found consistent evidence around transitions to smoking which, of course, opens the door to the multitude of harms that conventional cigarettes bring,” Hartwell explained.

Despite these findings, researchers caution that more investigation is necessary to clarify the nature of these relationships. Ann McNeill, a professor of tobacco addiction at King’s College London, who was not involved in the study, pointed out that the research does not definitively establish cause and effect. “When it comes to mental health issues, it is not clear whether vaping caused the mental health condition or whether the mental health condition caused young people to vape,” she said.

As public health officials grapple with the rising trend of vaping among youth, these findings underscore the need for proactive measures. The research highlights the critical importance of understanding the implications of vaping, not only as a standalone issue but also in the broader context of adolescent health and risky behaviors.

The study serves as a call to action for policymakers to implement stronger regulations to safeguard the health of young people, ensuring that future generations are protected from the dangers associated with e-cigarette use.