Vaping has rapidly become a common habit, especially among adolescents and young adults, due in part to its portrayal as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. However, what began as a harm-reduction strategy has escalated into a public health and mental health concern, contributing to rising rates of nicotine addiction, emotional distress, and associated psychological challenges. As vaping becomes more prevalent, the need for professional counselling and support grows increasingly urgent.
Understanding Vaping and Its Mental Health Impact
Vaping refers to the act of inhaling aerosolized nicotine and chemical substances using devices known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). While itâs marketed as a lesser evil than smoking, many vape liquids contain high concentrations of nicotine, a potent psychoactive substance which can alter neurochemical pathways and trigger psychological dependency.
Adolescents and young adults are particularly at risk due to ongoing brain development, especially in regions responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Prolonged nicotine use during this stage can contribute to anxiety disorders, depression, stress-related disorders, and even panic attacks (Yuan et al., 2015).
Mental Health and Behavioral Signs of Vaping Addiction
Vaping addiction often goes unrecognized due to the normalization of vaping behavior. However, several psychological and behavioral indicators can signal a problem:
- Heightened anxiety when unable to access vape devices
- Use of vaping to cope with depression, emotional distress, or low mood
- Increased stress levels, especially during periods of nicotine withdrawal
- Panic symptoms such as racing heart, dizziness, or breathlessness when trying to quit
- Dependence on vaping to self-soothe in social situations or during academic or workplace stress
- Multiple failed attempts to stop, often resulting in emotional frustration and guilt
These symptoms align with diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, often co-occurring with mental health issues like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
The Role of Counselling and Therapy in Vaping Recovery
Psychological counselling is central to breaking the cycle of vaping addiction. An effective treatment plan targets not only the physical urge for nicotine but also the emotional and psychological factors that drive and reinforce the addiction. The most effective interventions include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and changing the distorted thinking that contributes to destructive behaviors. Vaping is often used as a maladaptive coping strategy for stress, social anxiety, or low self-esteem. Through CBT, individuals learn to:
- Recognize cognitive distortions like “I need to vape to calm down”
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety and depression
- Monitor triggers that lead to vaping, such as boredom, emotional dysregulation, or peer pressure
- Improve problem-solving and emotional resilience
Hartmann-Boyce et al. (2021) found that CBT significantly improves outcomes in people dealing with nicotine dependence and emotional distress.
2. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing adopts a collaborative, non-judgmental method to help individuals reflect on their personal values, internal drive, and willingness to make positive changes. Many young users experience ambivalence about quitting especially when vaping is used to cope with panic symptoms or stress at school or work.
This approach:
- Encourages individuals to voice their internal struggles
- Builds self-efficacy and confidence to resist relapse
- Validates emotional experiences like shame, fear, or embarrassment about addiction
3. Family Therapy and Emotional Support
Involving families in the recovery process is especially helpful for adolescents. Family dynamics, such as parental pressure, unresolved conflict, or lack of emotional validation, often contribute to vaping behavior. Therapy can:
- Address family-based triggers of stress and anxiety
- Equip caregivers to support the teenâs emotional and mental health
- Create a supportive household atmosphere that encourages emotional security and a sense of personal responsibility.
4. Group Therapy and Peer Support
Group counselling helps combat the isolation often experienced by those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. Through shared experiences, individuals can:
- Learn new coping strategies for managing cravings and stress
- Gain support for symptoms like depression, panic attacks, and social anxiety
- Feel empowered through peer reinforcement and collective healing
Integrated Care: Combining Mental Health and Medical Support
For some, professional help goes beyond psychotherapy. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and medications such as bupropion and varenicline can ease withdrawal-induced anxiety, irritability, and emotional imbalance.
An integrated treatment model often combines:
- Psychopharmacology to manage cravings and mental health symptoms
- Behavioral therapy to address emotional and cognitive roots
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to enhance emotional regulation
- Lifestyle changes including exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutritional care, all shown to improve symptoms of depression and stress
Prevention and Early Intervention in Mental Health Settings
Preventive efforts play a vital role and start with educating individuals about the psychological dangers linked to vaping. Schools and community programs should incorporate information on:
- The link between vaping and mood disorders
- How nicotine affects brain chemistry and emotional processing
- Strategies for managing peer pressure, exam stress, and social anxiety without substances
Training educators and healthcare providers to identify early symptoms of vaping-related psychological distress ensures timely referrals to mental health services.
Conclusion
Vaping addiction is more than a physical habit; it is deeply tied to mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and emotional dysregulation. Many individuals turn to vaping not just for the nicotine hit but as a means to cope with overwhelming emotions or stressors.
Fortunately, through therapeutic support, including CBT, MI, family therapy, and medical aid, recovery is entirely possible. Empowering individuals with emotional intelligence, coping tools, and a strong support system is key to helping them regain control over their lives.
As we work to destigmatize both addiction and mental illness, it’s essential to encourage open conversations and create access to compassionate and evidence-based care. Supporting mental health isn’t just part of the recovery journey, it is the foundation of long-term healing.
Contributed by Ms. Tanu Sangwan, Counselling Psychologist
This blog was posted on 1 July 2025
References
Hartmann-Boyce, J., McRobbie, H., Lindson, N., Bullen, C., Begh, R., Theodoulou, A., … & Hajek, P. (2021). Behavioural interventions for smoking cessation: An overview and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013229.pub2
Yuan, M., Cross, S. J., Loughlin, S. E., & Leslie, F. M. (2015). Nicotine and the adolescent brain. The Journal of Physiology, 593(16), 3397â3412. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP270492
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Prochaska, J. J., & Benowitz, N. L. (2019). Current advances in research in treatment and recovery: Nicotine addiction. Science Advances, 5(10), eaay9763. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aay9763