Teen Nicotine Addiction: Vaping

Can’t believe that teens are becoming addicted to e-cigs, just the way that teens had become addicted to cigarettes decades ago.  For years, youth smoking rates have plummeted and I thought smoking was a thing of the past.  After all, why would someone intentionally breathe an addictive substance (nicotine) into their precious lungs? 

e-cigs and “vaping” have their place as a replacement for smoking actual cigarettes that are much worse for you, but there’s no excuse for teenagers who have never smoked before to take up vaping.  It’s become “cool” just like smoking was when we were teens.

There are very few options for teens to get treatment for e-cig addiction. Parents are desperately looking for insurance-covered outpatient care, but there aren’t many treatment centers. Clinicians recommend patches and gum – but they haven’t been proven effective and they’re designed for adults.

We’ve got to protect our kids from starting a habit that can hurt them. Check their backpacks, read their social media, be informed and be present. Make it difficult for them to vape and set up consequences to prevent them from starting.  Have conversations about the real health concerns about vaping and nicotine – your “nagging” will help them make smart choices, even though they may resent you for it today.