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News
Vaping is increasingly a young adult habit. A new study tracking over 24,000 U.S. adults found that young people aged 18–34 are most likely to transition from cigarettes to e-cigarettes or dual use. Over 16% of young adult smokers moved to dual use annually in 2022–2024, raising fresh concerns about nicotine dependence patterns in this age group.
A large U.S. study tracking tobacco use patterns from 2019 to 2024 found that young adults aged 18–34 are driving the shift toward e-cigarettes, either by adopting dual use (cigarettes + vaping) or switching exclusively to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 24,000 adults enrolled in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study.
While overall ENDS initiation rates remained relatively stable, the transition from cigarettes-only to dual use spiked among young adults — with 16.2% of 18–24-year-olds making that switch annually in 2022–2024. Transitions from dual use to ENDS-only also rose, suggesting some movement away from combustible cigarettes. However, researchers caution that frequent ENDS use is linked to lower rates of quitting vaping altogether.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: These findings highlight a generational shift in nicotine use that public health officials can't ignore. While switching to ENDS may reduce exposure to combustible cigarette smoke, the data suggest many young adults are simply trading one nicotine habit for another — underscoring the urgent need for targeted cessation programs, particularly for older adult smokers who remain reliant on cigarettes.
