ADHD Symptoms May Heighten Vaping and Smoking Risks in Teenagers

Addictive: (adj. Addictive) Refers to the inability to manage the use of habit-forming substances or unhealthy behaviors (like excessive gaming or texting). This condition results from changes in the brain that occur following the use of certain drugs or engagement in highly pleasurable activities. Individuals with addictions feel compelled to partake in specific actions, such as abusing substances like alcohol, nicotine, prescription medications, or illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin.

ADHD: An abbreviation for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness (acting without thinking), inattentiveness (difficulty staying on task), or hyperactivity (excessive movement or talking). Individuals may exhibit any combination of these symptoms, often interfering with daily functioning.

Anxiety: A heightened nervous response triggered by a situation, leading to excessive worry. Those suffering from anxiety may also experience panic attacks.

Note: A phenomenon where mental focus is directed towards a specific object or event.

Action: The manner in which an individual or organism interacts or responds to another entity.

Cancer: A collection of over 100 diseases characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, resulting in tumors, pain, and potentially death.

Chemicals: Substances formed from two or more atoms that bond in fixed proportions and structures. For instance, water is a chemical composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H₂O). Chemicals can also describe the properties of materials arising from various reactions between different compounds.

Depression: A mental health condition marked by persistent feelings of sadness and indifference, which may arise from significant life events such as the loss of a loved one or relocation but typically does not qualify as a “sickness.”

Hindrance: Refers to aspects that may be considered diseases when the body’s functionality is compromised. This term is often used interchangeably with illness.

E-cigarettes: Also known as e-cigs, these battery-operated devices vaporize nicotine and other chemicals, allowing users to inhale them. They were initially developed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, providing a means for users to gradually reduce their nicotine dependency. These devices heat flavored liquid to create vapor. Users are commonly referred to as vapers.

Epidemiologist: Researchers akin to health detectives, endeavoring to trace diseases to their causes and understand their spread.

Concentration: (in action) The act of focusing intently on a specific point or object.

Immunity: The ability of an organism to fend off particular infections or toxins through the production of cells that neutralize or eliminate harmful substances. Colloquially, it may also mean the capacity to avoid negative consequences (like job loss or bullying).

Impulsive: (n. Impulsivity) Acting without deliberation; a tendency to act quickly without waiting for reflection or measurement of outcomes.

Nicotine: A colorless, oil-based chemical found in tobacco and some other plants. It is known for producing a “buzz” associated with smoking and is highly addictive, making it challenging for smokers to quit. Nicotine is also toxic and can serve as a pesticide against insects and certain invasive species.

Nicotine Pouch: Nicotine pouches are products containing nicotine, allowing users to experience its stimulating effects without smoking. Available in the US since 2014, users place pouches between their lips and gums, allowing nicotine to be absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. Nicotine is addictive and can be toxic at higher concentrations. A 2023 CDC study indicated that approximately three out of every 200 middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches in the past month.

Online: (n.) Referring to the Internet. (adj.) Describing anything accessible on the Internet.

Psychologist: Professionals who study the human mind, particularly regarding behavior. Some psychologists work directly with individuals, while others may conduct experiments with animals, typically rodents, to explore cognitive responses to various stimuli and conditions.

Risk: The likelihood of experiencing something negative or harmful. For instance, exposure to radiation increases the risk of cancer. It can also refer to danger itself (e.g., Among the cancer risks faced by individuals, radiation exposure and arsenic-contaminated drinking water were notable concerns.).

Smoking: The intentional inhalation of tobacco smoke produced by burning tobacco.

Investigation: A comprehensive examination or assessment, often involving the collection of data about opinions, practices (like diet and sleep habits), and knowledge or skills of diverse populations. Researchers carefully select participants to ensure that their responses accurately represent various demographic groups. (n.) A set of questions designed for data collection.

Symptoms: Physical or mental signs generally recognized as indicative of a particular condition. Some symptoms, like fever and pain, may signal multiple types of injuries or illnesses.

System: A network of interconnected components working in unison to fulfill specific functions. For example, the human circulatory system consists of blood, blood vessels, and the heart. Similarly, a country’s railway system may include trains, platforms, signals, and overpasses. The term also applies to processes or principles that form part of a methodology for accomplishing tasks.

Treatment: (adj. Therapeutic) Interventions designed to alleviate or cure health-related disorders.

Tobacco: Plants cultivated for their leaves, which are often burned in cigars, cigarettes, or pipes, or chewed. The primary active ingredient in tobacco leaves is nicotine, a potent stimulant and toxin.

Tween: A child approaching adolescence, typically used to describe individuals between the ages of 11 and 12.

Vaping: (v.v.) A colloquial term for the use of e-cigarettes, as these devices produce vapor instead of smoke. Users of these devices are referred to as vapers.