UAE doctors warn of vape addiction among smokers who are trying to quit

vaping addiction warning UAE

Medical experts in the UAE are raising concerns about an emerging trend among cigarette smokers who are turning to vaping in an attempt to quit smoking but are instead developing an addiction to vaping. Doctors are warning that the belief that vaping is less harmful than smoking and that it aids in quitting smoking is a myth.

Health Risks and Legal Implications

The UAE has stringent anti-smoking laws, including prohibitions on smoking in the presence of children and severe penalties for selling tobacco products to minors, which can include fines and imprisonment. Despite these regulations, many smokers are switching to vaping under the misconception that it is a safer alternative.

Dr. Raiza Hameed, a pulmonology specialist at Aster Clinic, has been vocal about the dangers associated with vaping. She explains that e-cigarettes create an aerosol that contains nicotine, flavorings, and various other chemicals. When the vaping liquid is vaporized, it releases organic compounds such as aldehydes, which cause significant lung damage. Preliminary studies suggest that these chemicals can stimulate cancer development and growth. "The chemicals in vape lead to chronic inflammation in the lungs, which can eventually lead to cancer. It takes time for cancer to develop, and we need to follow study subjects over a long period," she said.

Personal Stories of Vaping Addiction

Many residents in the UAE have shared their experiences with vaping. Anastasia Armali, who started smoking at a young age, switched to e-cigarettes two years ago to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. She found vaping to be more appealing because it doesn’t smell like cigarettes and believed it to be a healthier option. However, she continued to vape regularly without achieving her goal of quitting nicotine altogether.

Similarly, Ryan Naik switched to vaping two years ago, influenced by his colleagues. His primary goal was to stop smoking cigarettes, with a secondary goal of eventually quitting vaping. Another long-time Dubai resident, Adnan Wahidi, also started vaping with the intention of quitting smoking. He hopes to quit vaping within the next year or two.

Expert Opinions and Advice

Dr. Raiza Hameed debunked the theory that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking. She highlighted that vaping could cause throat irritation, chronic bronchitis, asthma, headaches, anxiety, heart disease, and acute lung injury. Based on her clinical experience, she noted that many individuals who start vaping to quit smoking end up continuing to vape or revert to smoking cigarettes. "Vaping as a method to quit smoking is not advisable," she said. "Individuals who vape to quit smoking kept vaping after they stopped using cigarettes and they were getting nicotine and other dangerous chemicals. Studies have shown that vaping may make teens more likely to start smoking."

Dr. Jamsheer Ambalath Kabeer, a pulmonology specialist and clinical lecturer at Thumbay University Hospital, pointed out the significant issue of vaping-associated pulmonary illness (VAPI). This condition has been reported in individuals using e-cigarettes, particularly those vaping liquids containing substances like vitamin E acetate. He also expressed concerns about the long-term effects of inhaling the various chemicals present in vape aerosols and the addictive nature of nicotine, which remains a common component in many vaping products. "This is particularly relevant when discussing younger patients, as nicotine exposure during adolescence can adversely affect brain development and increase the likelihood of addiction to nicotine and other substances," he added.

Recommendations for Smokers

Experts recommend that smokers seeking to quit should rely on more established methods of nicotine replacement therapy and get support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals. "Each time you resist a tobacco craving, you are one step closer to being tobacco-free," advised Dr. Hameed.

Lauren Huang, General Manager for the Middle East at Elfbar & Lost Mary, acknowledged that while vaping is not risk-free and contains addictive nicotine, it is intended as a tool for smoking cessation. She emphasized that vaping products should be used solely by adults moving away from cigarettes. "We don't promote vaping to non-smokers or underage individuals and recommend that adult smokers consult with a healthcare professional for guidance before turning to vaping to support their efforts to quit smoking," she said.

In conclusion, while vaping might be seen as an alternative to traditional smoking, medical experts warn of its potential health risks and addictive properties. Smokers are advised to seek professional help and use proven methods for quitting nicotine rather than turning to vaping.