How Can You Tell if Someone Is Vaping? 7 Signs To Look For

Recent data from the government of Canada reveal that vaping is increasingly prevalent nowadays in the country, especially among the youth. Your friends or your loved one may be vaping but don’t want to tell you.

While there are no laws, perhaps none shortly, that oblige vapers to disclose their activity, it is helpful for someone to be aware if a person they know is vaping, considering the ongoing debate about it.

You can look for signs of vaping, and this guide lists some of the critical indicators that can give you a hint at whether somebody close to you is vaping.

Common Signs a Person Is Vaping

From sensing some unusual scent to noticing their appetite for food diminishing, here are the tell-tale signs a person might be using a vape.

1. You Notice An Unusually Sweet Scent Around Them

Most vape juice flavours are sweet–fruity, tea-infused, dessert-inspired, and even minty. They have to be in the e-liquid, or nobody would be interested in vaping. Therefore, someone vaping will carry their scents like wearing perfume.

If you notice a lovely smell around a person who has never there before, they could have started vaping more frequently. It could also be like they just used a new shampoo. Vape scents are identifiable due to their potency.

2. Their Relationship with Caffeine Changes

Vaping stimulates the release of dopamine, the “feel-good hormone,” as drinking coffee causes someone to set aside the beverage because, well, they have the pleasures from e-cigs.

Although some people appreciate this increased sensitivity, others find it overwhelming, and you may notice that they stop drinking coffee altogether. This could be an indicator of increased nicotine consumption.

Of course, interestingly enough, this can swing in the other direction, too. You might notice that they're more interested in coffee than they've ever been. This increased sensitivity can go either way. Some love it, and some hate it, so try to watch how many cups of Joe they're drinking.

3. They're Thirstier Than They Used to Be

Vapers often use the phrases “dry mouth” or “cotton mouth” to describe dehydration. This is primarily caused by propylene glycol, one of the main ingredients in e-juices. For this reason, many vapers find themselves drinking more than they ever did before. It's one of the more noticeable changes to look out for.

This dehydration extends beyond the inside of their body. It can also cause increased dry skin or sensitivity. This is especially true if they use a vape with a high propylene glycol content.

4. They Seem to be Coughing More Often

Have you ever heard of the vaper’s cough? If it isn’t cough season but you notice your friend or roommate coughing more often, suspect that they might be vaping.

Vaping is known to inflame oral tissue and cells within the mouth, which invariably leads to increased coughing.

Furthermore, if you hear them clearing their throat more often, that is also a clue that they've started vaping. However, these are common symptoms of many illnesses, so don't immediately assume vaping is the cause.

5. You Start to Notice Unfamiliar Items

Sneaking on their desk, trying to carry their bag, and if it feels like they have a second phone, that might not be a phone, but a vape. Also, if they ask you if there’s an empty cabinet or drawer in your house, they have something new in their belongings.

Vapes come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like earbud cases, others look like USB pens, and some look unrecognizable. Others have more apparatus than you would think.

It could be their growing vape collection if you start noticing unusual items in their possession.

6. They Experience Mood Swings More Often

Nicotine has been associated with increased positive mood, but that effect isn't permanent. Although consumers may feel a certain buzz after they've had a hit of nicotine, it soon wears off, meaning their mood is less predictable. If someone you know has started to experience significant mood swings, it might be because of their new relationship with nicotine.

7. They Are Eating Less Than Usual

Finally, if you and your coworker or friend used to get snacks together almost every day from a convenience store, or they often invite you to grab some coffee and a slice of cake from Starbucks, then all of a sudden, they tell you they are not hungry, they might be vaping.

Nicotine, a component of vapes, is an appetite suppressant. If you notice that they're eating much less than they ordinarily do or seem to have less interest in their favourite foods, chances are it could be due to an increase in the nicotine they're consuming. If you're a parent, this is one of the more noticeable clues, as you're likely responsible for your teen’s meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Physical Signs of Vaping?

Like when smoking traditional cigarettes, there are physical signs that will appear if a person you know is vaping. These include frequent thirst, slightly dry lips, and smelling something fragrant lingering on their clothes.

Can Doctors Tell if You Vape or Not?

Doctors cannot corner you and tell you that you vape, catching you off-guard, because, simply, they cannot directly determine your vaping.  however, unless they conduct medical tests like blood chemistry assessments.

How Long Does Vape Stay in Your System?

Usually, nicotine in vapes will leave your system after three days, shorter than how it is with traditional cigarette smoking. This is why if you don’t want your physician to find out you are vaping, it’s safe to say you must not vape for a week before you undergo a medical test.

Can You Check if Someone Has Vaped?

Following the seven signs of vaping above is a great way to get a headstart on whether or not someone is vaping, but it's a little tricky to know with absolute certainty. If you've identified a few of the indicators above and feel confident, asking the person upfront if they have vaped is a good option. So yes, you can check if someone has vaped.

What Are 3 Signs of a Vaping Addiction?

If you not only believe that someone you know is vaping, but may even be addicted, there are also signs. These include:

1. A Persistent Urge to Vape: If they seem unable to go for extended periods without vaping, it could indicate that they've become addicted.
2. Increased Irritability When Unable to Vape: If, when forced to go without vaping, they appear irritable or even aggressive, this is a strong indicator of addiction.
3. Nicotine Withdrawals: Lastly, presenting symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, and food cravings indicate nicotine withdrawal.

Get Vaping Knowledge From RELX

Vaping can be a positive experience when done so responsibly. If someone you know likes to vape, it isn't necessarily a problem. However, open communication and staying informed about vaping are important.

For more information about vaping and the different devices available, visit our site today. You may find something you love!