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Why do teens get more easily addicted than adults?

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Why do teens get more easily addicted than adults?

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Young people are more likely to take risks like intaking nicotine because their brains are still developing. Risks from intaking nicotine include nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and the permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine changes the way synapses are formed, which affects attention span and learning. Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, synapses are formed between brain cells. Youth build synapses faster than adult brains, and because addiction is a form of learning, adolescents can get addicted more easily than adults

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There is no limit on nicotine levels in the US. Average nicotine concentration in e-cigarettes raised from 2.1% in 2013 to 4.34% in 2018. Puff Bar and JUUL both have 5% nicotine concentration, while competing brands have 6-7%

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Nicotine disrupts the formation of brain circuits that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction. Young adults who had ever used e-cigarettes had seven times higher odds of becoming smokers one year later compared with those who had never vaped. Vaping makes ADHD symptoms worse. Vaping can worsen anxiety, depression, and stress

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Synthetic nicotine is much more potent than the kind found in tobacco and can be sold at lower costs. Nicotine products with the synthetic nicotine still claim to be tobacco free. They claim to be tobacco free to skirt around the FDA. E-cigarettes almost always have nicotine (99%). Nearly 2 thirds of JUUL users aged 15-21 weren’t aware that the product contained nicotine

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Nicotine releases the hormone dopamine, signaling pleasure. This is what keeps people addicted to nicotine, for the dopamine rush. In teens, 5mg of nicotine a day is enough to establish a nicotine addiction, which is about one-quarter of an e-cigarette. Nicotine salts deliver a high level of nicotine with less irritation. Vapes with higher nicotine concentrations are more addictive

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Defective e-cigarette batteries that have been known to cause fires and explosions, some causing serious injuries. Most of the explosions happened when the e-cigarette batteries were being charged.

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E-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful chemicals, including nicotine, flavoring such as diacetyl (a chemical linked to serious lung disease), volatile organic compounds such as benzene (which is found in car exhaust), and heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead.

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Certain e-cigarette products can be used to deliver other drugs like marijuana.

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How Does Nicotine Affect the Adolescent Brain?

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How Does Nicotine Affect the Adolescent Brain?

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The prefrontal cortex is the decision-making center of the brain, responsible for the ability to plan and think about consequences, solve problems and control impulses. This is the last part of the adolescent brain to get fully developed, so teens rely on other parts of their brain to make decisions, specifically the amygdala.

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The Amygdala is the section of the brain that controls impulse, instinct, and aggression. Since the brain develops back to front, the teenage brain relies more on the amygdala to make decisions. Teens will participate in risky behavior, express more emotions at a stronger level, and make impulsive decisions.

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Pruning is the cutting out of old unused connections, while myelination strengthens the remaining connections. Together, these processes make the brain stronger and more efficient.