Vaping not solution to feeling stressed

April is National Stress Awareness Month. I am hoping to bring light to the fact that while many tobacco users believe smoking or vaping relieve stress and anxiety, this is actually a short-term solution that can lead to long-term tobacco addiction. When addicted, tobacco users can experience irritability and even depression when they have not used tobacco for a while, leading them to smoke or vape, believing that stress relief comes from these products.

The tobacco industry has capitalized on this belief in advertising campaigns for popular e-cigarette brands. A large number of adolescent e-cigarette users state that they began vaping in order to decrease feelings of stress, anxiety and depression (Truth Initiative, 2024).

As a member of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County, the Porter County Health Department is a partner in the “Quit Now Indiana” campaign to provide community members with resources to quit and alternative stress management techniques for a healthier lifestyle.

Carrie Gschwind, administrator, Porter County Health Department