Vaping Opioids: Should We Be Worried?

Abstract

The use of electronic cigarettes (i.e., e-cigarettes or vapes) has increased substantially among youth and young adults. While research has examined vaping cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), little exists related to vaping other drugs, such as opioids, despite the fact that opioids are a leading cause of drug overdoses associated deaths in the U.S. The current study aimed to review the current state of the literature related to vaping opioids given our experience of learning about a youth overdose related to vaping opioids in a public high school in the U.S. while we were engaged in conducting community-based research. Peer-reviewed research publications related to vaping opioids are minimal, although there are several newspaper articles published related to vaping opioids, with most being about youth vaping opioids in school. This is concerning given that media often misconstrue substance use, particularly related to fentanyl, and may provide inaccurate information that perpetuates stigma. Thus, it remains unclear the scope of the issue of vaping opioids. Therefore, we propose a call to action for researchers and public health officials outlining recommendations for increased surveillance, interventions to address vaping-related opioid use, and measures to curb serious adverse consequences of vaping-related opioid use to determine whether this is a rising public health concern and offer mitigation strategies.

Keywords: adolescents; e-cigarettes; opioids; vaping; young adults.