Many people believe that smoking and vaping cannabis or tobacco is one form of ‘self-meditation.’ Well, smoking and vaping have long been considered unhealthy habits. Still, many people don’t realize they can also affect your mental health. Whether they’re hybrid CBD and THC vapes or tobacco cigarettes you smoke every day, they can actually worsen anxiety and other mental health conditions. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, do your best to avoid smoking and vaping. This blog post will shed some light on the effects of smoking and vaping on mental health, as well as how to quit smoking and vaping if you’re struggling with addiction.
Dependence on Nicotine Leads to Disruptions in Brain Development
Most people are unaware that nicotine is highly addictive and can lead to disruptions in brain development. Studies have shown that smoking tobacco during adolescence can lead to long-term changes in the brain, particularly in regions responsible for attention, impulsivity, and mood. These effects can last well into adulthood and may increase the risk for mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
In addition, nicotine dependence can lead to other issues, such as difficulty sleeping, irritability, and increased stress levels. Avoiding smoking and vaping altogether is essential if you’re struggling with mental health issues.
Smoking Can Aggravate Anxiety and Depression
Smoking tobacco has long been linked to anxiety and depression. In fact, studies have shown that smokers are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression than non-smokers. In addition, smoking can also aggravate existing mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. People think that smoking can ease the depression or anxiety they have. Still, in reality, it goes both ways to increase the rate of depression.
Cannabis Use Leads to the Increased Risk of a Psychotic Disorder
A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that smoking cannabis increases the risk of developing a psychotic disorder by about five times. The study also found that the risk is even higher for those who start smoking cannabis at a young age. The study found that people who started smoking cannabis before the age of 18 were more than seven times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder.
Smoking Cigarettes Results in Eating Disorders
The horror doesn’t stop there. Did you know that smoking cigarette can actually lead to eating disorders? Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to develop anorexia and bulimia than non-smokers. In addition, smoking can also trigger body dysmorphic disorder, a mental health condition characterized by an intense preoccupation with one’s appearance. Smoking and vaping, though often considered ‘cool’ or ‘edgy,’ can severely impact your mental health.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues, do your best to avoid smoking and vaping. These habits can aggravate existing mental health conditions and even lead to new ones. If you’re struggling to quit smoking or vaping, plenty of resources are available to help you kick the habit for good.