Stop Vaping is What the CDC says....but it is simply not that easy!
I keep seeing reports from the CDC and the news saying “CDC says to stop vaping.” While that is GREAT and I am so glad they are starting the conversation of, “This stuff is killing people.” Just telling people to stop vaping will not be enough.
Anyone who has been vaping for a while will tell you it is VERY easy to get addicted to and VERY hard to break the habit. Breaking the habit comes with some real withdrawal, withdrawal that can last 7-10 days.
The person coming off of the substance will be easily irritated and agitated. The littlest thing can set a person off and more than likely the reason they kept vaping in the first place was because it helped them to temporarily feel better. What do you think they want to do now more than ever…..Get the damn Juul. It is real and it is not their fault. Their poor brain is just sick and is sending every message of, “Get me my fix!”
The introduction of any substance in a child’s brain literally injures it. A little bit at a time. When they use it daily a switch flips in their brain and they are hooked! The good news is that even though the brain has been “hurt” by the toxins, it can go back to “normal” in about 18 months IF the individual discontinues the use of the toxin all together.
While the brain heals, the individual will more than likely experience depression, anxiety, and feelings of intense jitters or unsettledness. Compound that by being a teenager and it can be real messy. They can experience panic attacks, anger outburst, weight gain, and many other side effects of coming off the substance.
What do you do about that especially when you are a parent and your teen pretty much does not care for you 78% percent of the time? Good news. There are things you can do:
There are 12 week treatment programs for this! I was shocked because it is nicotine, but there are programs.
Getting a therapist your child likes and trusts is a huge benefit.
There are actually medications they can prescribe to help with the withdrawal and to help the individual not to have the cravings if you will.
Exercise, yoga, mediation and eating right.
Getting your child a journal to write. Writing is so healing it is ridiculous.
BUT most importantly keeping the lines of communication open and LISTENING to them.
