The Era of Vaping: The Impact of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) on Mental Health and Substance Use and the Rise of a New Generation of Nicotine Dependence

Vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, e-cigarettes or e-cigs, and e-pipes are some terms used to describe electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which are battery-powered tobacco products that typically deliver inhalable, aerosolized nicotine. E-cigarettes are the most used tobacco product among U.S. middle school and high school students, with the vast majority of these products using flavors such as fruit, candy, or desserts that specifically target youth. Research has demonstrated multiple adverse effects, including increased risk of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and impact on brain development. Despite this, clinicians often have difficulty addressing vaping as many patients still perceive it as a safe alternative to combustible tobacco use and a way to self-medicate anxiety and depression.

This interactive skill-building workshop will review the most recent statistics regarding the prevalence of ENDS use in the United States. Our group will review the harms specifically associated with ENDS and present research connecting the use of ENDS with mental health diagnoses, as well as substance-related and addictive disorder outcomes. The workshop will analyze current advertising and counter-advertising strategies that target youth and compare these to similar strategies used to impact cigarette sales in the 20th century. We will address individual and population barriers to reducing END use and provide strategies and motivational interviewing tools for helping youth reject or quit vaping. We will also allow participants to share cases and personal experiences working with youth attempting to abstain from or reduce END use.

Objectives:
1. Understand the adverse effects of ENDS usage on mental health
2. Understand how to support and inform patients who vape about treatment options and support youth to quit