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We spoke with several youths in British Columbia who had numerous questions about vaping and the effects of nicotine. We wanted to answer them by using reliable peer-reviewed, scientific evidence. Complete the 6 quiz questions to gain insight into what these questions were and how it may impact you.

After you choose an answer the quiz will indicate if it is correct and give you more information. Then you can choose next to move on to the next question. At the end of the Quiz we have posted the links to the scientific papers that pertain to each question so you can find out more.

Vaping and the Effects of Nicotine

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What kind of drug is nicotine?

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that binds to brain receptors that produce a rush of dopamine and results in feelings of reward and pleasure. It can also negatively impact decision-making, mood regulation, impulsivity, memory, learning, and mental health.
Nicotine is a drug that only affects the respiratory system as it is incapable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Nicotine is not harmful.
Nicotine is a drug that negatively impacts only adults.

Correct Answer is the first one. Nicotine is highly addictive and can cross the blood-brain barrier and has a widespread impact on the human body. While the release of dopamine caused by nicotine feels good, nicotine harms regular dopamine production and various other parts of the brain. (See below for the link to the scientific article.)

Is vaping less harmful than smoking?

Vaping is less harmful than smoking.
Vaping has no impact on the body and is completely safe.
Vaping is 10 times as harmful when compared to smoking.
Recent research found that the odds of disease between current vape and cigarette use were similar.

Correct answer is - recent research found that the odds of disease between current vape and cigarette use were similar. Vaping has diverse effects on the human body. Nicotine can have impacts on many organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain. Due to the shorter duration of vaping’s existence in comparison to smoking, there is limited information on the long-term effects. However, information is emerging daily that supports the claim that vaping has many side effects on all who use it and that the odds of disease between current vape and cigarette use are similar. Scroll down for the link to the scientific paper and to learn more.

How long does it take for a nicotine addiction to end? Select two correct responses.

Withdrawal symptoms peak during the first 3 days of nicotine cessation but can last for several months.
It takes exactly 28 days for a nicotine addiction to end.
Nicotine addiction lasts for life, however, withdrawal symptoms become less severe after a few months.
Withdrawal symptoms and duration of symptoms vary widely from person to person and can be influenced by environmental triggers.

The first and the last answers are correct. With nicotine cessation, withdrawal symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Therefore, there is no average time for nicotine addiction to end. It is known that withdrawal symptoms peak during the first three days after quitting and gradually decrease over time. Withdrawal symptoms are also influenced by environmental factors such as stress, anxiety, social cues, or emotional triggers. Because of these factors, every person's experiences are different. Scroll down for the link to the scientific paper and to learn more.

Does nicotine addiction get worse over time?

No, the severity of addiction is not dictated by the length of nicotine use.
Yes, the severity of addiction is influenced by the length of nicotine use.

The answer is Yes. Long-term continuous exposure to nicotine can result in changes to the brain that cause nicotine dependence such as a stronger urge to smoke within 30 minutes of waking up. Typically, length and frequency of use are related to the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and long-term use can increase irritability, restlessness, and anxiety during withdrawal. Scroll down for the link to the scientific paper and to learn more.

Why does nicotine create a “feel good” effect?

Nicotine tricks the dopamine receptors (reward centre) in the brain, causing a “feel good” effect and enhancing the need to use vape products.
Nicotine does not make one feel good instead it promotes feelings of disgust and nausea.
Nicotine tricks the adrenal gland to produce a hormone called cortisol which reduces stress and makes one feel good.

The correct answer is the first one. Nicotine enhances the dopamine receptors in the brain, resulting in an uptake of dopamine that enhances the reward centre of the brain. This can cause a “feel good” feeling throughout the body similar to if you were completing your favourite task. This falsification tricks your brain into believing that nicotine is making you feel good, increasing the need to intake nicotine, and resulting in addiction. Scroll down for the link to the scientific paper and to learn more.

What is the relationship between nicotine and anxiety?

There is no relationship between nicotine and anxiety.
Nicotine activates the dopamine receptors in the brain initiating a false bodily response of “feeling good”, however, studies show that young people who use nicotine products such as vapes, have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Nicotine intake will result in decreased levels of anxiety.

The correct answer is the middle one. Nicotine and anxiety have a complex relationship as it can initially result in a calming effect as specific neurotransmitters in the brain are initiated. This creates a dependence by the user requiring them to intake greater levels of nicotine to produce the same effect. The prolonged use can lead to increased chances of developing anxiety and depression. Scroll down for the link to the scientific paper and to learn more.

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Links to Scientific Papers

Nicotine Addiction and Intensity of e-Cigarette Use by Adolescents in the US, 2014 to 2021
Population-Based Disease Odds for E-Cigarettes and Dual Use versus Cigarettes
Handling Nicotine Withdrawal and Triggers When You Decide To Quit Tobacco
Nicotine dependence
Role of the D3 dopamine receptor in nicotine sensitization
Cross-Sectional Associations of Multiple Tobacco Product Use with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Young Adult E-Cigarette Users