The Prospective Association Between the Use of E-Cigarettes and Other Psychoactive Substances in Young People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The use of electronic cigarettes by young people has increased exponentially in the past decade due to various health and social influences. E-cigarettes, particularly those containing nicotine, can cause health complications and addiction, which may result in a subsequent initiation of psychoactive substance use. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prospective association between e-cigarette use and subsequent use of psychoactive substances in young people aged 10-24 years. Pooling of data from the identified longitudinal studies showed that ever e-cigarette users had a higher risk for subsequent cannabis, alcohol, and unprescribed Ritalin/Adderall use compared to never e-cigarette users. The findings indicate a need for interventions to reduce e-cigarette use in adolescents and young adults.

e-Cigarettes: Assessing the differences and the harms

“…2 A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that individuals who use e-cigarettes are more likely to engage in subsequent use of cannabis, alcohol and unprescribed Ritalin/Adderall, as compared to those who have never used e-cigarettes. 5 All these results urgently demand the need for interventions aimed at reducing e-cigarette usage among adolescents and young adults.…”

“…A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that individuals who use e-cigarettes are more likely to engage in subsequent use of cannabis, alcohol and unprescribed Ritalin/Adderall, as compared to those who have never used e-cigarettes. 5…”

The World Health Organization Reviews Another Year of Global Health Progress and Some Setbacks

“…E-cigarettes were once promoted as providing a way to reduce smoking, but generally they increase the use of tobacco and promote addiction to nicotine and other psychoactive substances. [8][9][10][11] The global tobacco industry is used to large profits and are seeking new ways to maintain and even increase their profits. The "Hooking" report demonstrates how the tobacco industry is promoting its lethal products to children and teenagers through subtle use of the media and by sponsoring activities which are associated with tobacco company name recognition.…”