Why people who have never smoked are getting hooked on vaping
This piece examines the rising trend of non-smokers, particularly young people, becoming addicted to vaping. It highlights how social anxiety and the habitual nature of the action contribute to the habit, despite the lack of prior smoking history.
Why it matters
The increase in nicotine addiction among non-smokers poses a significant public health challenge and raises questions about the long-term effects of vaping products.
Image source, Getty Images By Amy Walker Published 2 hours ago When vaping first took off at Gracey Mungulu's school, she was vocal about the fact she found it as repulsive as smoking.
"I literally used to tell people like, 'Er, why are you doing that?'" she says.
But Gracey says the habit became so common among her classmates that by the age of 16 she too had taken it up, even though the first time left her coughing rather than inhaling.
"The more you see it, the more you start trying it a bit more," Gracey says, "and then eventually I just got used to it and I was just doing it all the time."
Now 21, she buys a refillable vape every day, using it whenever her hands aren't busy with her work as a hairdresser and in a school.
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