If you experience trauma as a baby, you usually tend to use substances comparable to The wine, Tobacco And Other drugs But what does the evidence say about vapes later?
Our new study He is the primary to research links between childhood trauma and vaping habits in Australian adolescents. Those who had experienced traumatic experiences before age 12 were more prone to have vaped, to vape often, or to plan to vape in the longer term.
Despite the ban on the import and sale of nicotine-containing vapes, Labeling errors This means they proceed to be available. A study of 423 vapes seized from New South Wales retailers in 2022 found Contains 98.8% nicotine..
While quitting nicotine is difficult for most individuals, our research shows that youth with a history of trauma may face additional challenges – and want appropriate support.
Trauma and substance abuse
For those that experience trauma early in life, the results can extend far beyond the event itself. There is a type of trauma. Psychological damage Due to experiences that pose a big threat to your life or the lives of others. These may include emotional, physical and sexual abuse, or exposure to natural disasters and serious accidents.
Research links childhood trauma to negativity. physical And Mental health Results are included. Higher rate Substance use and addiction.
The causes are complex and will involve a lot of aspects, including social and environmental influences. For example, young individuals who have experienced trauma More likely Being exposed to substance abuse by people around you.
But trauma also has an effect. of the mind development and will influence whether we usually tend to use substances.
Traumatic experiences can result in more. impulsivity And Risk taking attitude. Trauma can even affect how we cope with stress, Height Our response to future stressors.
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Self-medication is dangerous for the developing brain.
People who’ve experienced childhood trauma usually tend to develop it. difficulty Recognizing, understanding and expressing emotions (called alexithymia). This is why we frequently discuss substance use as self-medication. How to cope With emotional pain and stress.
But self-medication is particularly problematic for young people. The adolescent brain continues to be developing, so it’s more at risk of its harmful effects Nicotine, The wine and other drugs.
Become young. Addicted to nicotine Faster – and stronger – cravings than adults could make it harder for them to quit.
We found a link between early trauma and adolescent vaping
A handful of studies has found Persistent links between childhood trauma and evaporation. But Research Instead of asking teenagers about vape use, the main focus has mostly been on adults. There was only A study About shock and vapor in Australia and he saw adult women.
But we all know that Australia is getting younger. In front of vapes Early — and that variety of young people vaping is growing.
Our new study examined self-report surveys of two,234 Year 7 and eight students from 33 schools in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. Health 4 Life Study. The survey assessed trauma history at age 12 and vape use three years later.
We found that those that had a traumatic experience at age 12 were more likely, at age 15, to say they’d tried vaping (64%), vape often. (63%) or intend to vape in the longer term (44%).
Challenges to quit
Our recent findings highlight an excellent younger group of Australians who’re vulnerable to vaping and nicotine addiction. Many people may already be addicted.
There is nicotine. Highly addictive and will often make multiple attempts resulting from symptoms of difficulty quitting. People often need a mixture of behavioral support – comparable to counseling – and pharmacological support, which can include nicotine substitute therapy or medication.
Current Guidelines for GPs Highlight the shortage of research on tips on how to help teens quit. The available evidence relies on research with adults or focuses on smoking.
recent Federal laws Therapeutic vapes — used to administer nicotine dependence — can be found with a prescription for under-18s. However, that is subject to state and native laws.
Other challenges
Having a history of trauma can even increase the challenges of quitting.
We know. The family And Social support There are strong protective aspects for young people – for instance getting help Quit smoking.
But this support is less prone to be available to children who’ve experienced violence and abuse, on condition that Most likely criminals They have their very own families.
Childhood trauma can even result in distrust of health care professionals.
In addition to GPs and counsellors, young individuals with early trauma are prone to need specialist psychological support to develop healthy coping strategies.
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What the youth need.
We need a mixture of universal and targeted prevention strategies.
In 2022-23 we developed a universal, school-based prevention program called Our Future Vaping Program. It is currently being tested amongst greater than 5,000 students in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, and has been improved in response to student and teacher feedback.
We also need strategies that recognize childhood trauma as a risk factor for vaporization, and deal with harm reduction. We must do more to scale back childhood trauma rates as well. Evidence-based methods To disrupt cycles of abuse.
Constantly And Culturally safe Methods can assist discover youth with a history of trauma early and help ensure they’ve access to comprehensive support and Trauma-informed care.
Not all young people who find themselves traumatized will experience negative outcomes, but many will – and Australia must be higher equipped to reply.