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Youth

Vaping Linked to Increased Smoking, Marijuana, and Alcohol Use in Young People

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Vaping among teens and young people is consistently associated with subsequent smoking, marijuana, and alcohol use, according to a review of systematic reviews published in the journal Tobacco Control. The findings also reveal links to other detrimental health consequences, including asthma, injuries, mental ill health, and poor mouth health. The researchers emphasize that policy measures to restrict sales and marketing of vapes to young people are necessary to mitigate the risks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vaping among teens and young people is linked to a 50% to 26-fold higher risk of starting smoking, suggesting a causal relationship.
  • Young people who vape are about 3 times as likely to start smoking as those who don't vape.
  • Pooled data analysis shows a strong link between vaping and substance use, with increased risks for marijuana (near tripling to 6-fold), alcohol (4.5 to more than 6-fold), and binge drinking (4.5 to a nearly 7-fold).
  • Asthma is the most common respiratory health outcome, with consistent associations of between 20% and 36% heightened risks of being diagnosed with the condition.
  • Synthesis of findings from 3 systematic reviews shows associations between vaping and suicidal outcomes.
  • Significant associations emerged between vaping and other harmful health outcomes, including pneumonia, bronchitis, lower total sperm counts, dizziness, headaches, migraines, and poor mouth health.
  • The researchers emphasize the need for policy measures to protect young people from the potential risks associated with vaping, including restricting sales and marketing to young people.

Statistics:

  • 5.5% to 41% of 15-16 year olds in WHO Europe region countries vape.
  • 56 reviews (52 systematic reviews and 4 umbrella reviews) included in the study, published between 2016 and 2024.
  • Most (47) reviews published after 2020.
  • Data from 21 systematic reviews revealed a consistent and significant association between vaping and starting smoking.
  • 3 times as likely for young people who vape to start smoking as those who don't vape.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews (2025 SEP 6)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Tobacco Control journal
  • NewsRx LLC (2025, Copyright)

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