Take a walk around any major city in the world and you’ll see a growing number of people, particularly younger generations, vaping instead of smoking. The allure of vaping as a supposed “safer” alternative to smoking has captivated many individuals, leading to a rise in its popularity. However, the story of Jordan Brielle challenges the notion of vaping’s safety. Her journey serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the severe consequences of vaping addiction that she had to endure.
Vaping Addiction: Jordan Brielle’s Story
Like many, Jordan Brielle, a 32-year-old woman from Cincinnati, Ohio, used to smoke in her teenage years. Knowing the dangers of smoking, like many, she transitioned to vaping in her adult life. Unfortunately she quickly found herself completely and whole-heartedly addicted vaping very, very quickly. She never went anywhere without her vape. This including showering with it and even sleeping with it, so she could take a puff as often as necessary.
“I was fully addicted. I was vaping so much that I slept with it, it went to the shower with me. I was vaping an excessive amount.” she told the DailyMail. (1)
Unfortunately, little did she know that this seemingly much less dangerous habit would lead to catastrophic health implications. This excessive vaping spiraled for two years until she was confronted with the realization that it was taking a toll on her health.
Health Problems Arose
Brielle’s wake-up call came in the form of a harrowing medical emergency. In November of 2023, she began to feel a heaviness in her chest. She describes it has like having an 80-pound weight on her chest. Her skin started turning a gray color, and she struggled to breathe. Two or three times per week she visited the hospital, but doctors seemed to think she just had some kind of infection. Despite the breathing issues, she continued to vape.
“My body was swelling up from my ankles to my kneecaps. I kept going to the hospital because I was progressively getting worse,” she recalled. “My skin was turning grey, I couldn’t focus, I was very discombobulated. It was hurting to walk. I could barely do anything. Nobody knew what was actually wrong with me. I felt like I was dying.”
Her Warning to Others
Finally, in May of 2024, it all came to a head. Her partner found her in bed gasping for air with black mucus dripping from her nose and mouth. Jordan was completely unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors had to perform an unimaginable procedure – the removal of two liters of black and bloody fluid from her lungs. She suffered severe lung damage as well as minor brain damage due to the short period of lack of oxygen to her brain.
“My body was trying to force out the vape juice inside my lungs which was like concrete. It was pure black and bloody. At the hospital, they were sucking it out of me,” she explained. “It felt like there was a popped balloon in my lungs. I had to do breathing and lungs exercises before I was discharged. I’ve been left with a minor brain injury due to lack of oxygen to my brain,”
This shocking revelation serves as a stark warning to others, compelling her to share her story and caution against the potential dangers of vaping addiction. She has since given up vaping cold-turkey and is hoping that her story will inspire others to quit, as well.
The Dangers of Vaping
Brielle’s case highlights the severe repercussions of vaping. Vaping poses significant dangers to individuals, despite some misconceptions about its relative safety when compared to traditional smoking. While e-cigarettes contain fewer toxic chemicals than regular cigarettes, they are not entirely safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported cases of severe lung injuries and deaths linked to vaping, particularly among individuals who modify their devices or use black market e-liquids. These incidents highlight the potential risks associated with vaping and emphasize the importance of caution when using these products. Research also suggests that vaping can have negative impacts on heart and lung health, with implications for long-term physical well-being. Nicotine, a central component in e-cigarettes, is highly addictive and can lead to increased heart rate, heightened blood pressure, and a higher risk of heart attacks. (2)
Additionally, the addictive nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes raises concerns about the potential for users, especially young individuals, to develop long-term dependencies. The appeal of vaping to youths is reinforced by misconceptions about its harmlessness, perceived cost benefits over traditional cigarettes, and the lack of smoke and smell associated with vaping. This has resulted in a new generation becoming hooked on nicotine through e-cigarettes, paving the way for possible future tobacco use. Furthermore, the ongoing shift towards daily e-cigarette use among vapers is worrisome as it indicates a rise in nicotine addiction, which can have implications for overall public health.
Vaping Addiction and Where to Get Help
For those struggling with vaping addiction, it’s crucial to seek support and guidance. There are various resources and organizations available to provide assistance to individuals looking to overcome their addiction. From counseling services to support groups, seeking help is the first step towards reclaiming one’s health and well-being.
How to Quit Vaping
Breaking free from vaping addiction requires determination and support. The journey towards quitting vaping or smoking may involve creating a personalized plan, enlisting the help of healthcare professionals, and seeking out support networks. Whether it’s through nicotine replacement therapies or behavioral counseling, there are numerous strategies that individuals can explore to embark on the path to recovery.
The Bottom Line
Jordan Brielle’s story stands as a testament to the dangers of vaping addiction, urging individuals to pause and reconsider the potential risks associated with this habit. Her resilience in overcoming this traumatic experience deserves recognition, and her advocacy for others to quit vaping serves as a powerful message. It is imperative for society to recognize the perils of vaping and provide support to those grappling with addiction, ultimately working towards a healthier and vape-free future for all.