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About Dr. Jan
Jan S. Hittelman, Ph.D.
, is a licensed psychologist with over twenty years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings. In addition to clinical practices in California, Colorado, and New York, he has specialized in program development in partnership with school systems, psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities and the courts, outpatient settings, residential treatment facilities, and private non-profit organizations. He is the founder of Compass House, a non-profit counseling collaborative for teens and their families. Dr. Hittelman is also the author of a monthly newspaper column entitled "Surviving the Teenage Years."
Dear Dr. Jan,
My friends and I started using vape pens. None of us have become addicted, but it’s all we do now. I'm worried I might get cancer. My grandpa smoked conventional cigs and had a brain tumor. I don’t want cancer, but vaping and hanging out is something me and my friends bond over.
— Ben
Dear Ben,
Electronic cigarettes (also known as vape pens, juuls, e-hookahs, mods, or e-cigs) were introduced as a way for chronic cigarette smokers to eventually quit smoking. While there is general agreement that they are safer than traditional cigarettes, there still needs to be more research conducted to understand the risks of e-cigarettes. Even though they are not intended for use by minors, many health officials worry about their attractiveness to youth, with flavors like chocolate, caramel, strawberry and even bubble gum being sold. The fact that you and your friends are using them, clearly supports those concerns, especially if it leads you or your friends to eventual tobacco use, which we do know is potentially deadly.
Electronic cigarettes (also known as vape pens, juuls, e-hookahs, mods, or e-cigs) were introduced as a way for chronic cigarette smokers to eventually quit smoking. While there is general agreement that they are safer than traditional cigarettes, there still needs to be more research conducted to understand the risks of e-cigarettes. Even though they are not intended for use by minors, many health officials worry about their attractiveness to youth, with flavors like chocolate, caramel, strawberry and even bubble gum being sold. The fact that you and your friends are using them, clearly supports those concerns, especially if it leads you or your friends to eventual tobacco use, which we do know is potentially deadly.
The fact that you and your friends get together and bond is great. The challenge that you have is for you and your friends to find other activities to do together that don’t have any potential health risks. Perhaps you can take the lead and be brave and say that you like hanging out but don’t need the e-cigarettes to have a good time. Worst case, your friends will continue to make potentially poor choices, but you can be proud that you’re sticking to your guns and making the right decision for yourself. The truth is that as you get older, there will probably be many other opportunities to go along with the crowd and do something that in your heart you know is wrong. Finding the courage to say no and do what’s best for yourself will serve you well for the rest of your life.
Learn more about vaping and smoking.
Read other questions and answers from Dr. Jan's Corner.