Why Do Some People Feel Drunk from Vaping Frequently?

Today, I want to chat with you about the topic of 'drunk vaping'.

My friend Mr. K's experience with drunk vaping

As the saying goes, smoking and drinking go hand in hand. Everyone knows that drinking too much can lead to drunkenness, but did you know that frequent vaping can also lead to feeling 'drunk'? Sometimes, this can happen with e-cigarettes as well.

For example,

I have a designer friend named Mr. K, who has developed a habit of smoking and using e-cigarettes due to frequent overtime work. However, he noticed that if he vapes too aggressively or continuously, he experiences dizziness and discomfort, but taking a break helps him feel better.

Based on my experience, Mr. K's symptoms are typical of 'drunk vaping'.

But what is drunk vaping?
 

'Drunk vaping' refers to the phenomenon of inhaling too aggressively or deeply while smoking or using e-cigarettes, resulting in excessive nicotine intake, which leads to dizziness and other physiological discomfort.

So, why does drunk vaping occur?

Why does drunk vaping occur?

At the root of it all, it is due to excessive nicotine intake.

E-cigarettes, like traditional cigarettes, contain nicotine. If a smoker's inhalation method is incorrect or their physical condition is poor, excessive nicotine intake can lead to drunk vaping.

Drunk vaping is partly related to physical condition; some people are naturally more susceptible to it, just as some people get drunk easily when drinking.

'Lung inhalation' is more likely to cause drunk vaping

Similar to traditional cigarettes, there are two inhalation methods for e-cigarettes: mouth inhalation and lung inhalation.

Mouth inhalation involves circulating the vapor in the mouth before exhaling, known as 'small circulation'.

'Lung inhalation' involves inhaling the vapor into the lungs, undergoing a deep circulation before exhaling, known as 'large circulation'.

Compared to mouth inhalation, 'lung inhalation' is more likely to result in drunk vaping.

Why is lung inhalation more likely to cause drunkenness?

Below is a diagram showing how nicotine and oxygen enter the bloodstream through the alveoli.
 

Generally, nicotine reaches the brain within 7.5 seconds, and its half-life in plasma is 30 minutes.

When lung inhalation occurs, the nicotine in the vapor enters the lungs, and the alveoli immediately react as if 'an enemy has invaded', closing off to prevent entry. As the alveoli contract, oxygen cannot smoothly pass through into the bloodstream, leading to an oxygen deficiency reaction.

Additionally, the alveolar cells immediately organize a defense against the 'invader', resulting in coughing. The brain is the organ most sensitive to oxygen deficiency; when oxygen levels drop, it immediately loses its ability to function, causing dizziness when nicotine is excessively inhaled.

During mouth inhalation, the oral mucosa acts as a barrier, preventing nicotine from quickly penetrating into the bloodstream, making it less likely to cause drunk vaping.

Who is more likely to experience drunk vaping?

Individuals who are physically weak, frequently stay up late, or have long periods of abstinence before smoking are more likely to experience 'drunk vaping'. This is similar to how people can easily get drunk after not drinking for a long time.

So, how should one use e-cigarettes to avoid drunk vaping?

I generally advocate that if you don't smoke, you shouldn't touch cigarettes, even e-cigarettes.

If you can't resist the urge, here are some tips to avoid drunk vaping:

1. Non-smokers should choose 0 nicotine

If you are not a smoker and just want to enjoy the feeling of vaping, it is recommended to avoid e-cigarettes containing nicotine to prevent addiction.

2. Smokers transitioning to e-cigarettes should start from low to high concentrations

If you are a smoker looking to transition to e-cigarettes, it is recommended to start with low nicotine e-liquids. If low concentrations do not cause dizziness but do not satisfy cravings, you can gradually move to higher concentrations, similar to drinking; start with beer and avoid jumping straight to hard liquor.

3. Avoid excessive use

Avoid using e-cigarettes excessively; once your cravings are alleviated, stop immediately. Don't linger on the flavor, just like you wouldn't overindulge in alcohol.

4. Limit lung inhalation

If you are accustomed to lung inhalation, it is recommended to use low nicotine or nicotine-free e-liquids. If you seek to satisfy cravings, keep the nicotine concentration below 3mg.

5. Choose reputable e-cigarettes

Select high-quality brands and products from large manufacturers, avoiding unknown brands with unclear ingredient labels and no quality inspection, as unregulated products may have falsely labeled nicotine content or contain other harmful substances.

Additionally, if you experience symptoms of drunk vaping,

You can drink more water and eat fruits and vegetables, as nicotine is water-soluble and can be excreted through urine. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin A and sugars, which can help alleviate the symptoms of drunk vaping.