Teen Vapers Growing More Dependent on Nicotine, Data Show

July 11, 2024

Minnesota students who vape are becoming increasingly dependent on nicotine, according to data from the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey released recently by the Minnesota Department of Health.  

Survey data show 79.6% of students who vape reported having experienced one or more signs of dependence, such as intolerable cravings and reaching for their e-cigarette without thinking about it.  

Among students who vaped in the past 30 days, 49.5% vaped on at least 20 of the past 30 days, a 47% increase in frequent vaping since 2020 and a 165% increase since 2017. 

Further, the survey revealed that nearly two-thirds have tried to stop with some trying to quit 10 or more times. 

Youth and young adults can show signs of nicotine dependence quickly. Increasing dependence on nicotine leads to stronger withdrawal symptoms, which cause mood fluctuations and negative mood, and can amplify or exacerbate stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. 

“It’s a dire situation that so many of our teens are struggling with the health harms of nicotine dependence,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham, MD. “Many teens may smoke or vape because they think it helps them relieve stress or anxiety, but the nicotine can actually worsen those feelings.” 

Up until about age 25, nicotine can negatively affect learning, attention, and memory. It also increases risk for addiction to other substances. 

Although data show that dependence is increasing, there is good news. After the implementation of public health measures and vaping restrictions, youth vaping is declining in Minnesota. In 2023, 13.9% or about one in seven high school students reported having vaped in the past 30 days, a significant decline from 19.3% in 2020. Many cities and counties have enacted policies to protect youth in their community. About one in four Minnesotans are now covered by a local ordinance that restricts or prohibits the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.