The hospitalization of Travis Barker’s daughter in Alabama is prompting warnings from experts about the dangers of vaping withdrawal
Experts have revealed the dangers of quitting vaping ‘cold turkey’ after Travis Barker’s daughter Alabama was reportedly hospitalized due to nicotine withdrawal.
The 19-year-old singer reportedly stopped vaping a month ago after being told it would ruin her voice. But she was later rushed to the hospital because she “felt panicky and unwell one day while she was alone,” according to reports from TMZ.
Now experts are warning people about the risks of suddenly quitting vaping and depriving the brain of the nicotine it has become accustomed to, which can cause both mental and physical side effects.
Sebna N. Osanmoh, a psychiatric nurse in New York who works with patients with addictions, warned that nicotine withdrawal symptoms can begin within just four hours of 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 of quitting, you may notice intense cravings, headaches and irritability.
‘Towards the end of the first week, these symptoms begin to diminish. (And) within a month you will notice improvements in your physical health and you will also have less cravings for food.’
He added: ‘While quitting vaping cold turkey can be an effective method, it is often accompanied by intense withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine.’
Alabama Barker was reportedly hospitalized after experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. She is pictured above on her Instagram this month
Alabama is 19 years old and the daughter of musician Travis Barker. She is pictured above in an image posted to her Instagram
Vapes and cigarettes are so addictive because they contain nicotine, which causes spikes in dopamine – the feel-good hormone – in the brain.
Experts suggest that some e-cigarettes may be even more addictive because they can contain more nicotine than a cigarette.
Customers also have the option to purchase ‘extra strength’ cartridges, which contain even more nicotine. They can also change the settings of their vape to deliver a bigger hit of the substance.
One of the most popular methods of kicking the habit is ‘cold turkey’, where users abruptly stop using the devices rather than gradually kicking the habit.
About two-thirds of cigarette smokers surveyed say they have tried this method.
But it is not often successful: another study – also among smokers – shows that 95 to 98 percent of people who try to quit cold turkey start smoking or vaping again within six months.
Experts say this is because the intense cravings that come from sudden nicotine withdrawal are often so intense and uncomfortable that people can’t resist them.
They add that it is easier to quit if people gradually reduce their vaping use and nicotine exposure, effectively “weaning” themselves off the devices. There are also products such as nicotine patches available to help a person reduce his or her cravings.
Mr Osanmoh said: ‘The physical effects of quitting cold turkey are mainly caused by nicotine withdrawal.
‘Individuals often deal with strong cravings, along with irritability and restlessness. It makes it difficult to concentrate or maintain a sense of calm.”
He also warned that people could experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, increased hunger, sleep problems and dry mouth and throat.
Tests on e-cigarettes seized from young people showed that 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 days after quitting.
‘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 experience tremors or shaking, which may be the result of a lack of dopamine in the nervous system.
Alabama was reported to be an “occasional” vape user TMZin which it was first reported that she had been hospitalized for vaping.
She was taken to the hospital after calling 911 herself last month after experiencing intense feelings of panic and not feeling well, reports said, but she has now been discharged.
It is not clear what treatment she received or how much she vaped.
Alabama did not respond to DailyMail.com’s requests for comment.
More than half of people who vape say they have considered quitting
The use of vaping, or e-cigarettes, has skyrocketed in the US, with 4.5 percent of Americans over the age of 18, or 11.6 million people, now using the devices.
The numbers are even higher among people between the ages of 18 and 24, with 11 percent vaping – or 3.4 million people.
However, amid concerns about the health risks and costs, more and more people are trying to kick the habit.
Surveys show that about 33 percent of vapers try to ditch the pen for good each year, while more than half (54 percent) say they are thinking about quitting.