14 Million U.S. Adults Use E-Cigarettes as Youth Use Continues to Rise
In 2018, nearly 14 million U.S. adults used e-cigarettes, up from more than 11 million in 2016. Researchers reported increases across all socioeconomic groups and age groups, with the sharpest rise among those aged 18 to 24, from 9% in 2016 to 15% in 2018
In 2018, nearly 14 million adults in the U.S. used e-cigarettes, up from over 11 million in 2016. Researchers report that this trend is observed across all socioeconomic groups and age brackets. However, the increase is particularly pronounced among those aged 18 to 24, rising from 9% in 2016 to 15% in 2018. Data was collected from over 1 million Americans participating in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2016 to 2018.<\/span><\/div>
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“More and more people are using e-cigarettes, especially among younger age groups, indicating that more individuals are becoming addicted to e-cigarettes rather than just trying them, which raises concerns about the increased consumption among innocent individuals,” said Dr. Olufunmilayo Obisesan, the lead researcher and a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Ciccarone Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Baltimore.<\/span><\/div>
“The increase in e-cigarette use among individuals with other health risk behaviors is also concerning, especially considering the lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use or linked to the use of tetrahydrocannabinol [THC],” she added.<\/span><\/div>
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Obisesan expressed concern about the addictiveness of e-cigarettes. She stated, “The increase in e-cigarette use among U.S. adults, particularly daily use, reflects the addictive nature of e-cigarettes. This is especially important to note for young people and those currently using or considering using them as an experimental means.”<\/span><\/div>
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In two years, the smoking rate among non-smokers increased from 1.4% to 2.3%.<\/span><\/div>
The study indicates that the smoking rate among never-smokers rose from 1.4% in 2016 to 2.3% in 2018, with other individuals engaging in risky behaviors (such as drinking and using marijuana) being more likely to use e-cigarettes.<\/span><\/div>
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In line with this, research shows that individuals with personality types inclined to experiment are more likely to try various substances, whether legal or illegal. This means that if they do not use e-cigarettes, adolescents who use e-cigarettes are likely to smoke, and given the relative safety of the former, choosing e-cigarettes over traditional smoking is a small public health victory.<\/span><\/div>
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Adolescents seeking excitement are more likely to try different substances.<\/span><\/div>
In fact, a new study on American high school students found that those dissatisfied with life and seeking adventurous and exciting experiences are more likely to regularly use multiple illegal substances, including e-cigarettes. Additionally, the study found that participants' attitudes toward e-cigarettes also reflected their views on other substances.<\/span><\/div>
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The lead author of the study, Kevin Tan, stated, “Students scoring high on thrill-seeking believe the harms of drug use are less than those who frequently abstain from alcohol, smoking, and low-level drug use.”<\/span><\/div>
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“While high school is typically a peak time for risk-taking and thrill-seeking, our results indicate a significant difference in thrill-seeking between students who frequently use drugs and those who do not.”<\/span><\/div>
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