The Association Between Adolescent Vaping and Subsequent Use of Other Substances and Risk Factors for Polysubstance Use

Objectives Adolescent vaping has become a public health concern. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between adolescent vaping and subsequent use of other substances and risk factors for polysubstance use. Methods The Well-being and Experiences Study is a longitudinal, intergenerational study conducted in Manitoba, Canada. The sample for this study consisted of adolescents and emerging adults who participated in Waves 1 (N = 1,002; 2017-18; aged 14–17 years) and 2 (n = 756; 2019; aged 15–20 years). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Adolescent vaping was associated with continued use of alcohol, cannabis, and cigarettes (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] range: 12.92–19.39), new onset use of cannabis (aRRR: 6.04) and cigarettes (aRRR: 3.66), and concurrent and simultaneous polysubstance use (aRRR range: 3.14–24.25). Several risk factors were identified for concurrently using three or four substances in the past year (aRRR range: 1.76–2.86) and simultaneously using alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine (aRRR range: 1.99–3.11). Among those who reported vaping nicotine at Wave 2, 33.6% of males and 24.2% of females reported doing so as a coping mechanism. Conclusions Adolescent vaping is a risk factor for subsequent use of other substances and polysubstance use. Efforts are needed to prevent vaping initiation and help adolescents with cessation. Strategies should include selective interventions for those with histories of childhood adversity and mental health disorder.