Vaping is an epidemic among teenagers in America right now that can cause lung, cardiovascular, and heart diseases, according to the American Lung Association.

Vapes contain nicotine, a toxic substance that can raise blood pressure, which increases heart rate and the likelihood of heart attack. Vaping is also highly addictive. When inhaled, the nicotine releases a chemical called dopamine, which travels to the same regions of the brain as other addictive drugs. Dopamine causes mood-altering changes that gives a temporary sense of pleasure. Inhaled smoke delivers nicotine to the brain within 10-20 seconds, according to nih.gov.

Vaping is undoubtedly marketed toward young people. According to lordslibrary.parliament.uk, young people who have never smoked reported noticing vape and e-cigarette marketing at a significantly higher rate than adults who actually smoke. Moreover, The New York Times suggests that the bright colored vapes and fun “flavors” are specifically targeted at teens.

A teenager who wishes to remain anonymous struggles to shake the addiction. “I thought it was cool in the beginning, then I became hooked, which I deeply regret. The more I vaped, the harder it was to get a buzz. I started buying higher nicotine vapes because it became harder and harder to get ‘the buzz.’” Vaping is one of the worst decisions I have ever made, and I do not recommend it to anyone.”

Louisiana law states “It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to possess any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product.”

However, many retailers around the country do not follow this law and sell to minors. That’s another problem with vaping; it can be easily accessible by going to corrupt smoke shops and gas stations.

Another anonymous teenager illustrates this point. “I just go to a smoke shop that sells to minors whenever I have a craving. It’s honestly sad how easy it is for anyone to get their hands on a vape. I am currently trying to quit; however, it makes it a lot harder when I can get a vape at any point in the day.”

According to John Hopkins Medicine, 7 out of 10 smokers say they want to quit. Quitting smoking is one of the best things a smoker can do for his or her health. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, including the heart. The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and nearly one third of deaths from heart disease are in part a result of tobacco products like vapes.

Vaping is a dangerous trend among American teenagers that brings no benefit. Everyone caught in the vicious cycle of addiction should quit now because it will only get worse over time. Any decent feeling vaping brings is only temporary, but the negative effects last forever.