In November 2019, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) reported over 5 million teens currently vaping in the U.S.
The first step in addressing this problem is acknowledging the prevalence. Kids of all ages are vaping or being exposed to the opportunity. The discreet devices disguising themselves as USB drives, highlighters, inhalers or even in the ties of hoodies are easy to buy online or from friends. High school kids make money selling electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) to middle school kids.
Youth see them as safe for many reasons. First, their teen brain just doesn’t know any better and doesn’t have enough life experience to recognize danger and addiction. Addiction?! Yes, teens can develop nicotine dependence. However, ask for medical assistance on treating a minor who wants to quit and sadly, you will find limited resources. The medical community hasn’t spent much time developing treatment plans for tobacco dependence in the youth population; and this epidemic moved swiftly.
The good news is that laws are starting to change. You now must be 21 to purchase tobacco in the U.S. At the start of 2020, a partial ban went into place restricting the sales of flavored nicotine in cartridges and pods, while still allowing the sale of all flavors in refillable devices like tank–based systems. Individuals have no problem buying cotton candy, mint, candy and cookie flavored liquid nicotine that they drip into products.
The flavoring is extremely important to kids. Think about it: Historically, there weren’t flavors in cigarettes. One either smoked tobacco or menthol and most will agree it didn’t taste good, especially pure tobacco. It gave off a distinct smell and you couldn’t do it in schools or in front of someone without getting noticed.
Today, teens are using ENDS, exhaling into shirts or bags in the classroom and hallways. Use is more frequent and the liquid form is potent. A Juul pod of nicotine is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes nicotine. More use plus more potency equals faster addiction.
Kids will feel the pressure to use or the desire to fit in and won’t fear candy–scented liquids. They need to be educated about the truths and risks from various sources. They will need love and support when trying to quit. Nicotine replacement therapies can work; gums, lozenges, patches can be a good start. Along with assistance from quit coaches, counselors and daily quit vaping text messages from youth programming found online; staying vape free is possible.
Don’t give up hope. Give up the vape.
By // Stephanie Siete, Public Information Officer, Community Bridges Inc.
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