Experts have revealed the dangers of quitting vaping “cold turkey” after Travis Barker’s daughter Alabama was reportedly hospitalized for nicotine withdrawal.
The 19-year-old singer allegedly stopped vaping a month ago after being told it would ruin her voice. But she was later rushed to the hospital feeling “panicked and unwell one day while alone,” according to TMZ reports.
Now, experts are warning people about the risks of suddenly stopping vaping and depriving the brain of the nicotine it has become accustomed to, which can cause both physical and mental side effects.
Sebna N. Osanmoh, a New York psychiatric nurse who works with addiction patients, warned that nicotine withdrawal symptoms could begin as soon as four hours after stopping the devices, and are most intense during the first two weeks.
Withdrawal symptoms are both physical (such as irritability, restlessness, headaches and fatigue) and emotional (such as low mood and increased feelings of frustration and irritability), he said.
Speaking to DailyMail.com, he said: ‘In the first few days after quitting smoking, you may notice intense cravings, headaches and irritability.
‘At the end of the first week, these symptoms begin to subside. (And) within a month, you will notice improvements in your physical health and you will also feel fewer cravings.’
He added: “While quitting vaping cold turkey can be an effective method, it often comes with intense withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine.”
Alabama Barker was reportedly hospitalized after suffering nicotine withdrawal symptoms. She appears in the photo above on his Instagram this month.
Alabama is 19 years old and is the daughter of musician Travis Barker. She appears above in an image posted to her Instagram.
Vapes and cigarettes are highly addictive because they contain nicotine, which causes spikes of dopamine (the feel-good hormone) in the brain.
Experts suggest that some e-cigarettes may be even more addictive because they may contain more nicotine than a cigarette.
Customers also have the option of purchasing “extra strength” cartridges, which contain even more nicotine. They can also change the settings on their vaporizer to give a larger puff of the substance.
One of the most popular methods to kick the habit is to quit cold turkey, meaning users abruptly stop devices rather than gradually quitting them.
About two-thirds of cigarette smokers surveyed say they have tried this method.
But it’s often unsuccessful, as another survey, also among smokers, found that between 95 and 98 percent of people who try to quit cold turkey return to smoking or vaping within six months.
Experts say this is because the intense cravings that arise from sudden nicotine withdrawal are often so intense and uncomfortable that people cannot resist them.
They add that it is easier to quit smoking if people gradually reduce vape use and nicotine exposure, effectively “weaning” from the devices. Products such as nicotine patches are also available to help someone reduce their cravings.
Osanmoh said: “The physical effects of quitting cold turkey are mainly due to nicotine withdrawal.
‘People often face strong cravings along with irritability and restlessness. It makes it difficult to concentrate or maintain a sense of calm.’
It also warned that people could experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased hunger, difficulty sleeping and dry mouth and throat.
Tests on e-cigarettes confiscated from youth found they contained dangerous levels of lead, nickel and chromium.
He added: “Many people report mood swings, feelings of frustration and increased sensitivity in the first few days after quitting smoking.
‘Your anxiety levels may temporarily increase as your body and mind adjust to life without the calming effects of nicotine. Some people also describe a feeling of loss or emptiness.’
Others have also suggested that vapers may suffer from tremors, which may result from a lack of dopamine in the nervous system.
Alabama was reported as an “occasional” vaping user by TMZwho first reported that she had been hospitalized for vaping.
She was taken to the hospital after calling 911 herself over the past month after experiencing intense feelings of panic and discomfort, according to reports, but has now been discharged.
It is unclear what treatment he received or how much he vaped.
Alabama has not responded to DailyMail.com’s requests for comment.
More than half of people who vape say they have considered quitting
The use of vaping, or electronic cigarettes, has increased in the United States, with 4.5 percent of Americans over the age of 18, or 11.6 million people, now using these devices.
The numbers are even higher among people ages 18 to 24, with 11 percent vaping, or 3.4 million people.
However, amid concerns about health risks and costs, more people are trying to kick the habit.
Surveys suggest that around 33 percent of vapers try to give up their pens for good each year, while more than half (54 percent) say they are thinking about quitting.