The Hidden Dangers of Vaping Alcohol

We've all seen the warnings about vaping, particularly its risks for young people. In recent years, vaping has gained popularity as a supposedly "healthier" way to consume substances like nicotine, cannabis, and even alcohol. However, these perceived benefits ignore a critical truth: vaping is just as dangerous as traditional methods, if not more so.

To understand why, we need to examine the science. This article explores the specific effects of vaping alcohol and what happens when you inhale alcohol instead of drinking it.

Key Takeaways

• Vaping alcohol involves heating alcohol and inhaling the resulting vapors
• Due to rapid intoxication, vaping alcohol carries the same risks as drinking, including alcohol poisoning and brain damage
• Avoiding or quitting vaping alcohol is crucial to prevent potential dangers

Can You Vape Alcohol?

Vaping has become increasingly common over the past decade. This practice typically involves electronic cigarettes that vaporize substances like nicotine, flavorings, cannabis, and CBD for inhalation.

While less common, vaping alcohol involves inhaling the substance to experience intoxication rather than consuming it through drinks. This process typically involves heating alcohol or pouring it over dry ice and inhaling the resulting vapors. Some people use homemade vaporizing devices or even asthma inhalers for this purpose.

Vaping alcohol hasn't been studied as extensively as vaping nicotine or cannabis. However, existing evidence reveals significant dangers that may be more severe than traditional drinking in some cases.

What Happens When You Inhale Alcohol?

While vaping alcohol might seem like an intriguing trend, the health risks are substantial. When we inhale vaporized alcohol, it bypasses our digestive system and is absorbed directly through our lungs.

Alcohol molecules travel from the lungs to the brain and bloodstream, accelerating the effects of intoxication. This explains why some people report feeling an immediate and intense "high" when vaping alcohol.

The primary appeal of vaping is its ability to produce rapid intoxication. However, consuming too much alcohol, even through inhalation, leads to serious adverse effects:

• Higher alcohol poisoning risk: Vaping alcohol resembles binge drinking in its rapid consumption pattern. Both can lead to alcohol poisoning when blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.15-0.30%, overwhelming the body's ability to process alcohol. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. Call 911 if you or someone nearby shows symptoms like unconsciousness, low body temperature, pale or blue skin, vomiting, confusion, slow breathing, or seizures.
• Lung damage: Inhaling vaporized alcohol can damage lung tissue due to heat irritation. This damage is linked to chronic breathing problems like asthma or COPD and increases the risk of respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Increased addiction risk: Research suggests that the speed at which a substance reaches the brain increases addiction susceptibility. Since vaping delivers alcohol to the brain rapidly, it may heighten the likelihood of developing alcohol addiction.
• Brain damage: Inhaled alcohol quickly binds to brain receptors, potentially causing long-term changes to brain function. This can affect reward centers and higher-level functions like impulse control. Children and teens, whose brains are still developing, face particular risk.

Vaping Alcohol vs. Drinking Alcohol

Some believe that vaping alcohol is better because it avoids calorie consumption. Unfortunately, this isn't true. Inhaling alcohol is equally dangerous as drinking it and offers no benefits. Here's why vaping alcohol can be even more hazardous:

• Calorie intake: While vaping avoids sugar calories from alcoholic beverages, our bodies still absorb calories from ethanol, which contains about 7 calories per gram.
• Rapid, uncontrolled consumption: Drinking allows easier measurement of intake through standard serving sizes. With vaping, it's difficult to determine how much vapor you've inhaled, leading to potential overconsumption and increased alcohol poisoning risk.
• Bodily overload: When binge drinking, vomiting serves as the body's protective mechanism to expel excess alcohol. Vaping bypasses the digestive system, eliminating this safeguard and potentially leading to quicker intoxication, blackouts, and alcohol poisoning.

Legality of Inhaling Alcohol

In the United States, alcohol consumption—whether by drinking, inhaling, or other methods—is legal only for those 21 and older. Laws vary by country, so verify local regulations if you're outside the U.S.

Important note: Driving under the influence laws apply equally to vaping alcohol. The same intoxication effects mean driving after vaping alcohol can lead to legal consequences and serious harm to yourself or others.

How to Quit Vaping Alcohol

If you or someone you know vapes alcohol, breaking this habit is essential to avoid adverse health effects. Quitting requires determination, planning, and support. Here are strategies to help make this lifestyle change:

• Set clear goals: If you vape frequently, gradually reduce your habit. Start by aiming for vape-free days two or three times per week, gradually increasing over several weeks or months. Write down your reasons for quitting—whether for health, financial, or relationship reasons—to maintain motivation during challenging times.
• Understand your triggers: Identify situations, emotions, or activities that trigger your desire to vape. Common triggers include stress, social settings, specific times of day, or after meals. Develop strategies to avoid or manage these triggers. If stress triggers vaping, try healthier alternatives like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
• Seek support: Don't underestimate the power of support. Inform family, friends, or colleagues about your decision to quit. Consider joining support groups or forums where you can share experiences with others working toward the same goal (Quitemate offers several support communities). Counselors or healthcare providers can offer guidance, support, and resources while helping you develop a safe quitting plan.
• Replace the habit: Find healthier alternatives to vaping, such as chewing gum, snacking on healthy foods, or taking walks. Keeping your mind and body occupied helps reduce vaping urges.
• Manage withdrawal symptoms: Depending on your dependency level, you might experience cravings, irritability, headaches, or anxiety. These symptoms are temporary. Practice relaxation techniques and stay hydrated to manage them. Consult your healthcare provider if symptoms become severe or persistent.
• Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, whether it's one day, one week, or one month without vaping. Recognizing these achievements provides motivation to continue your journey.

Final Thoughts

Vaping alcohol is a dangerous practice that should be avoided to reduce risks like alcohol poisoning and brain damage. With proper support and a deliberate approach, positive change is achievable.

Remember that quitting vaping alcohol is a personal process—what works for one person may not work for another. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to your goal. Each vape-free day represents a step toward better health.