Alabama Ranks Sixth in National Vaping Surge: CDC Data Reveals 103.9% Increase Since 2016

MONTGOMERY, AL. - A recent analysis of CDC data has placed Alabama among the top ten states with the most dramatic rise in adult vaping rates between 2016 and 2022. According to the study, conducted by online retailer Huff and Puffers using the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Alabama saw a 103.9% increase in e-cigarette use among adults-jumping from 5.1% in 2016 to 10.4% in 2022.

This surge places Alabama sixth nationally, just behind Hawaii and ahead of Mississippi, West Virginia, and Tennessee. North Dakota topped the list with a staggering 150% increase, followed by South Dakota (131%) and California (128.1%).

A Southern Shift in Smoking Habits

The data suggests a notable shift in nicotine consumption patterns across the Deep South. Mississippi, West Virginia, and Tennessee-all neighboring states-also ranked in the top ten for vaping growth, indicating a regional trend that may reflect changing attitudes toward smoking alternatives, accessibility of vape products, and targeted marketing.

Public health officials in Alabama have expressed concern over the rapid rise, particularly given the state's ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco-related illnesses. While vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, its long-term health effects remain under study, and its popularity among younger demographics has raised alarms.

Youth Appeal and Public Health Challenges

Bon Pang, CEO of Huff and Puffers, attributed the nationwide increase to several factors: "Vapes have become a popular tool for those trying to quit smoking, but they've also gained traction among teens and young adults due to flavored products, influencer marketing, and the perception that they're less harmful than cigarettes."

Alabama's Department of Public Health has echoed these concerns, citing the need for stronger education campaigns and clearer regulations around flavored vape products. In recent years, state lawmakers have debated measures to restrict youth access to e-cigarettes, though enforcement remains uneven across counties.

Comparing Alabama to National Trends

In 2016 North Dakota had a 3.6% vaping rate. By 2022 that had increased to a 9% vaping rate - a 150% increase.

In 2016 South Dakota had a 2.9% vaping rate. By 2022 that had increased to a 6.7% vaping rate - a 131% increase.

In 2016 California had a 3.6% vaping rate. By 2022 that had increased to a 7.3% vaping rate - a 128.7% increase.

In 2016 Idaho had a 4.5% vaping rate. By 2022 that had increased to a 10% vaping rate - a 117.4% increase.

In 2016 Hawaii had a 4.3% vaping rate. By 2022 that had increased to a 8.8% vaping rate - a 104.7% increase.

In 2016 Alabama had a 5.1% vaping rate. By 2022 that had increased to a 10.4% vaping rate - a 103.5% increase.

While Alabama's adult vaping rate in 2022 (10.4%) is higher than the national average, it also reflects broader shifts in tobacco cessation strategies. Many former smokers have turned to e-cigarettes as a perceived harm-reduction tool, though public health experts caution that dual use-smoking and vaping concurrently-remains common and undermines cessation goals.

Policy Implications and Next Steps

The CDC's findings come at a time when Alabama is reevaluating its tobacco prevention strategies. The state's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program has expanded outreach in schools and rural communities, emphasizing the risks of nicotine addiction and the deceptive marketing of vape products.

Local health advocates are calling for more robust data collection at the county level, especially in underserved areas where vaping rates may be underreported. There's also growing interest in aligning Alabama's regulations with federal guidelines, including potential bans on flavored cartridges and stricter age verification protocols for online sales.

Conclusion

Alabama's ranking in the national vaping surge underscores both the popularity and complexity of e-cigarette use in the state. As public health officials grapple with the dual challenge of reducing smoking rates while curbing youth vaping, the data offers a sobering reminder: nicotine habits are evolving, and policy must evolve with them.

For Alabama communities, especially those already burdened by tobacco-related health disparities, the next few years will be critical in shaping a balanced, informed response to the vaping trend.

This article is based on original work by Rachel Holland. To make this article more Alabama centric and to make it fit our internet formatting limitations A.I. was utilized to modify the original work.