The Dangers of JUUL Addiction
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on earth, on par with cocaine. Through the use of nicotine salts, JUUL devices deliver a significantly higher dose of nicotine than both traditional cigarettes and other vape devices.
One JUUL pod contains 59 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter of liquid (59mg/mL). For comparison, most other vape manufacturers suggest 3-6mg/mL for casual smokers, 6-12mg/mL for average smokers, and 12-18 mg/mL for heavy smokers.
The Effect of Nicotine on
Teenagers and Young Adults
Young people are particularly susceptible to nicotine addiction because of the effect it has on developing brains. What many people don’t know is that the brain continues to develop until age 25. Nicotine can actually change brain cell activity in developing brains, in particular the parts responsible for attention, learning, and memory. These can be permanent changes with long-term effects on cognitive ability, mental health, and even personality.
Another danger for young people exposed to JUUL is that adolescents can become addicted to and dependent on nicotine even when exposed fewer times and at lower doses than an adult. Over three-quarters of nicotine users who begin in adolescence are dependent on nicotine at some point in adulthood.
Side Effects of Nicotine on the Brain Can Include:
Anxiety • Depression • Increased anger & aggression
Permanent lowering of impulse control • Memory problems
Impaired cognitive processing • Attention Deficit Disorder
Increased likelihood of becoming addicted to other substances
JUUL in the Courts
When JUUL first hit the market in 2015, none of JUUL’s advertising, marketing, promotion, packaging or website disclosed any of the health effects and risks that JUUL knew or should have reasonably known would occur from use of its products. Additionally, while JUUL currently markets itself as a way to quit cigarettes, in an April 2015 interview with The Verge, JUUL R&D engineer Ari Atkins was quoted as saying, “We don’t think a lot about addiction here because we’re not trying to design a cessation product at all,” later noting “anything about health is not on our mind.”
Because JUUL has been falsely marketing itself as safe, young people who would never have chosen to smoke a cigarette began using JUUL and developed serious nicotine addictions as a result. While addiction is something many people will struggle with their entire lives, because of JUUL’s negligent marketing practices, you may be able to get help for your loved one’s JUUL addiction. Beasley Allen Law Firm is currently managing suits against JUUL Labs, and is ready to take on more.
Signs of Nicotine Addiction in JUUL Users
Feeling anxious or irritable when you don’t have access to a JUUL
Increased thirst • Migraines • Mood swings • Caffeine sensitivity
Difficulty sleeping • Continuing to JUUL even when you want to stop