Why Teens Vape: Understanding Anxiety, Breathing, and the Role of Compassionate Support

by Straight Up Health

Vaping among teens continues to rise, and while much of the conversation centers around nicotine addiction and health consequences (rightfully so), there's often a missing piece in the puzzle: why teens start and keep vaping in the first place. For many, vaping isn’t just about peer pressure or rebellion, it’s a coping mechanism, a form of regulation, a pause button.

Vaping as Self-Soothing

Vaping may offer teens temporary relief from symptoms of anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional dysregulation. The act of inhaling and exhaling mimics deep breathing, a proven tool for calming the nervous system. When teens take a slow drag from a vape, their breath changes. The inhale is deep, the exhale is steady. This mimics what breathwork and mindfulness practices aim to cultivate, except it's paired with nicotine, flavor, and habit.

For anxious teens, vaping becomes a way to self-soothe. It offers:

• A break from social pressure or overstimulation

• A ritual to focus their attention

• A predictable, private way to manage uncomfortable feelings

But while vaping might bring short-term calm, it doesn’t solve the root issue. In fact, over time it can make anxiety worse—especially as the body begins to rely on nicotine for regulation, and withdrawal symptoms begin to mirror the very anxiety they’re trying to escape.

“Just Quit” Won’t Work. Here’s Why…

Parents often feel helpless, frustrated, or scared when they discover their teen is vaping. The natural response might be to say, “You need to stop,” or to impose rules or punishments. But vaping is rarely just about the vape. It’s a signal that something underneath needs attention.

When we only focus on stopping the behaviour, without asking what’s driving it, we miss the chance to connect and support real change. Quitting won't stick until teens feel safe, understood, and resourced to manage whatever the vape was helping them regulate.

How to Talk to Your Teen About Vaping (Without Shame or Shutdown)

Open, non-judgmental communication is the most powerful tool you have. Here are a few ways to keep the lines open:

1. Be curious, not confrontational.

Try: “I’ve noticed you’ve been vaping lately. I’m not here to lecture. I’m just wondering what it does for you. What does it help with?”

This reframes the conversation. Instead of treating vaping as a moral failure, it becomes a clue to what your teen might be feeling or needing.

2. Normalize anxiety.

Let them know that feeling anxious, especially in adolescence, is normal and valid. Talk about your own experiences with stress and self-regulation. Vulnerability from you builds trust with them.

3. Avoid scare tactics.

While it’s important to talk about health risks, fear rarely motivates lasting change in teens. Focus instead on their goals, relationships, identity, and how vaping fits (or doesn’t fit) into the life they want.

4. Shift from control to connection.

Teens are more likely to take steps toward change when they feel emotionally safe. The goal isn't to force behavior change, but to build the kind of relationship where they feel secure enough to be honest, ask for help, and try new coping strategies.

What Therapy Can Do

A therapist can help your teen:

• Explore the emotions or stressors behind their vaping habit

• Learn healthier coping tools (like breathwork, grounding, or sensory strategies)

• Build emotional literacy to better understand and name what they’re feeling

• Rebuild self-trust and confidence, especially if they feel stuck or ashamed

Therapy also offers a neutral space, free from family dynamics, where teens can reflect without fear of judgment or consequence. For some, it may be the first time they’re asked what they need, instead of being told what to stop.

The Bigger Picture: Building Coping, Not Control

Vaping is a surface-level behavior. What’s underneath is often something far more important: a teen struggling to feel calm, connected, or in control of their emotions.

As a parent, your role isn't to have all the answers, but to stay open, present, and willing to walk alongside your teen as they figure out what they need. When you address anxiety with empathy instead of anger, you create the kind of relationship where change can begin, not from shame, but from safety.

Want to learn more about how we can support you our your teen? Contact us today at hi@straightuphealth.ca or at 647-250-7579 and we’ll create a tailored support package for you.