Fewer Smoke Cigarettes, though Nicotine Use is Up

After a half-century of research and public health education around tobacco use, cigarette smoking is on the decline. Most Americans can name at least one harmful effect or health problem linked to smoking. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, the rate of cigarette-smoking adults dropped to just 14 percent in 2017.

Despite these positive trends, nicotine use is surging as more people turn to e-cigarettes and other devices, often with the mistaken impression that they eliminate health risks associated with smoking.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) devices, such as e-cigs, e-pipes, vapes, vape-pens, hookah pens, and JUUL, are usually battery powered, contain an aerosol generator and flow sensor, and require e-liquid or an attached nicotine cartridge.

Although ENDS products were designed to help people quit cigarette smoking, health professionals are now concerned these devices may create new nicotine-dependent users, who, like generations before them, may face years of nicotine addiction. This is especially dangerous for youth whose brains are still under development until around age 25.

What can you do to stop smoking or vaping? Here are five steps to help break nicotine addiction: