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. 2024;59(13):1981-1989.
doi: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2392516. Epub 2024 Sep 17.

Adolescents' Experiences and Perceptions of E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Addiction

Claudia Guerra Castillo  1 , Kristin S Hoeft  1 , Elizabeth T Couch  1 , Janelle Urata  2 , Bonnie Halpern-Felsher  3 , Benjamin W Chaffee  1
Affiliations

Adolescents' Experiences and Perceptions of E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Addiction

Claudia Guerra Castillo et al. Subst Use Misuse. 2024.

Abstract

Background: E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development.

Methods: Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13-17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction.

Results: Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids.

Conclusions: For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support.

Keywords: Adolescents; addictive behavior; health risk behaviors; nicotine; tobacco control; tobacco use disorder; vaping.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure of Interests

Dr. Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Tobacco Prevention Toolkit and the Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Toolkit. All other authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose.

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