Vapes, Cigarettes, and Nicotine Pouches
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs, vapes, JUUL, etc.) function on the principle of vaporizing a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavoring agents (such as diacetyl), and other substances. Some e-cigarette devices resemble cigarettes, while others look like USB sticks and pens.
Most cigarettes are made up of tobacco, chemical additives, a filter, and paper wrapping, which is lit and smoked. Nicotine pouches refer to small microfiber pouches that contain nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients. Nicotine is absorbed into the body when the pouch is placed between a person’s lip and gum.
Health risks
| Nicotine is highly addictive. While some vape liquids are advertised to have zero nicotine, this has not always been found to be the case, and studies have found nicotine level labeling to be vague or inaccurate and inconsistent with actual tested nicotine content in nicotine pouches | |
| Nicotine can harm the developing brain. The brain keeps developing into the mid- 20s | |
| Smoking cigarettes causes many health issues, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and more | |
| Some e-cigarette chemicals can cause lung and heart disease, as well as acute lung injury, asthma, and lung cancer | |
| Nicotine pouches can cause sore mouth and gum irritation | |
| E-cigarettes and nicotine pouches still require more research regarding short- and long-term health risks | |
| To learn more about cigarettes and vaping, click here. To learn more about Nicotine pouches, click here. |
Harm reduction tips:
| Wash hands after handling e-cigarette liquid to help avoid contact to the skin or eyes | |
| Try to avoid using vapes and regular cigarettes together- using both may result in a greater exposure to toxins/worse health outcomes | |
| Try to avoid mixing tobacco/nicotine products with other substances, like alcohol | |
| Be aware of the nicotine content of what you are consuming; some vapes use nicotine salts, which allow higher levels of nicotine to be inhaled with more ease | |
| Be aware of the signs of nicotine poisoning so you know when to seek help | |
| Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help you cut down |
Quitting strategies
| Build a supportive environment – Get rid of tobacco products, chargers, e-liquid replacements, or anything that reminds you of the tobacco product you are quitting. It may be helpful in the first few weeks to avoid gatherings/events that increase your desire to vape | |
| Let people know you are quitting, so they can help you with coping and resisting urges | |
| Schedule a medical appointment to discuss nicotine cessation products with a Danforth Student Health Center medical provider | |
| Schedule a free appointment with a virtual quit coach to develop a quit plan and get access to free Nicotine Replacement Therapy | |
| Utilize the 4 D’s: Delay (increase the time between cravings and nicotine consumption) Deep breathing Drink water to alleviate cravings and cope with nicotine withdrawal Distract yourself with sports or other activities to allow cravings to pass |
Resources
| How to Quit Smoking from the CDC Gum can be a helpful alternative when someone is quitting smoking. Stop by the Zenker Wellness Suite for free sugar-free gum. | |
| WashU’s Tobacco-Free Policy |
For free Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strips, visit one of our on-campus Health and Well-being vending machines or PreventEd.
Looking for information on other drugs?
Check out the National Institute on Drug Abuse for up-to-date information.