Selena Gomez admits she "Vaped nicotine a lot" and warning others that the habit is "Just not worth it."
The 34-year-old singer and actress shared the admission in a video posted to her Instagram Stories, saying she does not believe she will be able to reverse the change to her voice. "I'm not gonna be able to change my voice," she said, explaining that years of nicotine vaping have had a lasting impact.
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Gomez acknowledged how difficult nicotine addiction can be, describing it as "So hard to quit" and encouraging others to avoid starting altogether. She said vaping was "So stupid" and reiterated that it had changed the way her voice sounds.
Although studies surrounding vaping are relatively new, health experts have linked the habit to a range of issues, including breathing problems, coughing, wheezing, dental complications, sleep disruption and mental health concerns.
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Nicotine is highly addictive, which is why health authorities advise children and non-smokers not to take up vaping, although it can be used as a smoking cessation tool for adult smokers.
The singer revealed that she has recently quit and is determined to stay nicotine-free. "I am really excited because I stopped and I just hope I can keep it up," she said, while acknowledging that quitting has been a challenge.
Her comments come after years of speculation from some fans about changes in her voice. On Instagram last December, Gomez suggested that her lupus may also play a role, explaining that her throat can sometimes swell unexpectedly.
Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in 2015 and has spoken openly about the impact the autoimmune disease has had on her health. Lupus flare-ups can cause inflammation around the larynx, which may result in hoarseness or vocal strain.
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Gomez took time away from the spotlight to focus on her health after her diagnoses. She later revealed that she had undergone chemotherapy and, in 2017, received a kidney transplant from her friend Francia Raisa.
Although the transplant helped bring the disease into remission for a period, Gomez has since spoken about experiencing further flare-ups, including one in 2020.
Her latest comments reflect both the challenges of living with a chronic health condition and the difficulties of overcoming nicotine addiction, a battle she says she is proud to be winning.
