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Unmasking the Appeal: Tobacco and Vaping
Different generations, different smoking products. Over the years, smoking has come in and out of fashion through social acceptance and education behind the harmful effects tobacco and nicotine have on an individual’s health. The 2020s have seen the rise of vaping and nicotine addiction in place of traditional cigarettes and smoking.
Startling new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals the scale of the crisis: at least 40 million children aged 13–15 globally report current use of at least one tobacco product. This increase is due in part to tobacco and nicotine companies working overtime to stay relevant by overwhelming people’s social feeds, film and television, and advertisements that promote their new products likes e-cigarettes and vaping devices to sustain addiction and attain new users.
A Changing Landscape
Although traditional cigarette use has decreased, new products, especially vaping devices, have reshaped nicotine use for individuals of all ages.
Many people see vaping as a safer alternative (1) to tobacco use, but vaping has its own risks. Vaping devices contain a mix of base liquids, nicotine, flavorings, and contaminants that form harmful aerosols when heated. Long-term health effects of vaping are still being studied, but it’s widely understood that vaping can result in:
- Lung damage – substances like formaldehyde, acrolein and acetaldehyde are found in vaping products
- Heart and blood vessel issues – due to chemical exposure
- Addiction – like tobacco, vaping devices contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance
Tobacco Products
Tobacco use is still one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death worldwide (2). It’s linked to:
- Lung disease and cancer
- Heart disease and stroke
- Reduced immune function
- Increased healthcare costs and strain on public systems
Beyond the physical effects of tobacco and vaping use, there are mental and social risks as well. Addiction can create cycles of stress and isolation that are often difficult to break.
Why Quitting Is So Hard—and Where to Seek Support
Nicotine is highly addictive, so quitting often involves physical withdrawal and behavioural change. Small steps matter. Cutt back. Delay a cigarette. Learn more.
Support also makes a difference. Whether it’s nicotine replacement therapy, counselling, or community programs, people are far more likely to succeed when they don’t go it alone.
Remember – change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens one decision at a time.
The QuitCore Program
QuitCore is a free group support program that provides Albertans (18+) with the tools and skills they need to quit using tobacco. As a part of Quitcore, you will join six 90-minute sessions that are guided by a trained facilitator. Currently, QuitCore group sessions are only offered in English.
Mosaic Primary Care Network is one of two health care facilities that offers the QuitCore program in person at our clinic. Watch our website, Facebook, and Instagram for updates on upcoming sessions, and speak with your primary care provider to learn more.
