You’ve probably noticed more teens vaping these days, but the story behind it isn’t just about nicotine or trends. For many young people, vaping is a way to cope with stress, fit in with peers, or manage big emotions that come with growing up. Understanding what’s really driving this behavior can help adults respond with empathy.
First, what is vaping? Vaping means breathing in a mist (called an aerosol) made by an electronic device. These devices are called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), but most people just call them vapes, vape pens, pods, or hookah pens.
Vapes run on batteries and use a liquid called e-liquid that turns into the mist you inhale. Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which is the addictive chemical found in cigarettes. They often come in sweet or fruity flavors that can make them seem fun or harmless, especially to young people.
Sometimes, vapes are used with marijuana instead of nicotine. In this post, when we say “vaping,” we’re talking about vaping nicotine.
Vaping is addictive because nicotine is addictive, and teens are more at risk to developing an addiction to nicotine because of where their brains are developmentally.
There are a lot of reasons that teens might vape:
Coping with stress and emotions. Teens can often feel like they’re juggling so many heavy demands at once—school, social media, family challenges, or simply trying to understand who they are in the world around them. For some, vaping feels like a quick way to calm down, relax or focus, even if it only works in the moment. Relief from stress and emotional struggles has become the top reason young people report vaping.
Belonging and influence from others. Connection is a necessary part of development, and when vaping is seen as “normal” within a friend group, it can feel like a way to belong. Sometimes vaping is also seen as “normal” at home, and this can encourage experimentation and use.
Curiosity and experimentation. Adolescence is also a time of risk-taking, which is a natural part of development. Some teens try vaping simply because they’re curious or want to experiment with something new.
Marketing that targets teens: Vaping products are designed and promoted in ways that connect directly to teen interests and emotions. Because vaping is marketed as sleek, flavored, and “safer than smoking,” teens might see it as lower risk and more appealing compared to other substances. This kind of marketing takes advantage of young people’s natural curiosity and the pressure they feel to fit in, which can make vaping seem even more tempting.
Understanding these social and emotional drivers helps explain why vaping can feel appealing to teens, even with the risks.
Nicotine’s Impact on the Developing Brain
Nicotine gives a quick boost by increasing dopamine, the brain chemical that helps people feel good. A person may feel calmer or more focused right after vaping, but the effect fades quickly, often leaving them irritable, anxious, or low and craving another hit to feel better again. While it might feel like stress relief in the moment, nicotine ramps up the body’s stress response over time. That means teens may feel more anxious later, which can lead them to vape again for relief —starting a cycle that makes anxiety worse instead of better. It also interferes with focus, memory, and attention skills teens depend on daily to keep up with school, activities, and relationships. And because adolescent brains are more vulnerable to addiction, starting early means it can be especially hard to quit, even if they want to.
All of this means that vaping can actually intensify feelings of stress, anxiety, and irritability. We can help support young people by helping them see and address what’s going on underneath.
Vaping as a Signal of Deeper Needs
Picture a teen who feels anxious walking into school each morning:; the thought of crowded hallways or presentations makes their stomach twist. They discover that a quick puff from a vape seems to steady their nerves, at least for a little while. Or imagine a student buried under homework and pressure to achieve, who turns to vaping for a burst of focus just to push through. For another, feeling weighed down by sadness, vaping offers a momentary escape when nothing else seems to help.
In each of these situations, vaping has become a way of coping, using it to get through emotions that feel overwhelming. For parents and caregivers, the next step is to treat vaping as a signal to check in, not just a habit to shut down. That might mean asking gentle questions about what vaping does for your teen in stressful moments. From there, you can offer alternatives that fit your teen’s world, whether it’s encouraging physical activity, creative outlets, taking walks, or listening to music. Remember, to let them know it’s normal to struggle with big feelings.
Responding in this way doesn’t excuse the risks of vaping, but it does give you more insight into what your teen may be carrying. When you see vaping as a signal rather than just a habit, it opens the door to honest conversations and healthier paths forward.
To get quitting help for yourself or your teen, check out our Resources page.
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical or mental health advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health or well-being, please consult a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
