If you have teen children or grandchildren, chances are that you know about the teen vaping epidemic. One in five high school students in the country and one in 20 middle school students reported using e-cigarettes last year. The use of “vapes” created the biggest increase in youth substance abuse ever recorded.
Unfortunately, the response from parents and students is often, “What’s the fuss? It’s not as bad as smoking.” However, conclusive research is only starting to surface, and what may help wean an adult smoker off of nicotine may be an on-ramp for youth smokers.
This is the generation that was kicking tobacco use to the curb with last week’s trash. Tobacco use among youth had declined for almost 20 years, but now the surge in vaping has led to an uptick in overall tobacco use.
In 2015 a new device joined the array of e-cigarette products at the convenience store. The Juul looks like a flash drive and fits discreetly in the palm of the hand, allowing a quick “hit” on the bus or in the classroom or restroom.
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Juul Labs’ social media marketing and influencers appealed to youth though the company denies targeting teens. Sites like #juulnation popped up with teens boasting about their juuling adventures.
But what teens did not foresee was the power of nicotine addiction. One Juul pod — the small flavor cartridge — has the nicotine equivalent of a full pack of cigarettes.
It is disheartening and should alarm every adult who has seen the devastation of cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other smoking-related diseases among their own families and friends.
Now we may watch another generation struggle with new medical conditions that are only now emerging. Reports of severe respiratory issues and seizures are being linked to vaping.
As of Sept. 24, there are 530 cases of lung injury reported across the country. Seven deaths have been confirmed in six states, including one in Indiana. All reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping.
Based on initial data, most patients reported a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC, while some reported using THC and nicotine and some used nicotine alone.
Healthcare providers including pediatricians are being asked to document e-cigarette usage along with other tobacco products in an effort to track possible links between vaping and disease.
The body responds to nicotine with a rapid heartbeat triggering the “fight or flight” response. Inhaling the benzoic acid in the flavor pods irritates the lungs nose and throat, and can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Nicotine poisoning can resemble flu-like symptoms.
Along with physical threats is the concern of nicotine use on a teen’s developing brain. Youth nicotine exposure affects learning, memory and attention span, and primes the brain’s pathways that can lead to other addictions.
Johnson County school administrators caution about a growing number of vaping devices containing “dabs,” a concentrated form of marijuana. Students are presenting at school clinics with signs of both nicotine poisoning and high THC levels.
So what should adults do if they know or suspect a teen is vaping?
Know the facts. Get information about e-cigarettes and youth at e-cigarettes.SurgeonGeneral.gov
Be patient and ready to listen. Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue.
Talk with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician about quitting, and get evidence-based coaching from the free Indiana Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. The Quitline’s teen program takes the adult program one step further by talking about teen stressors and peer influences. Teens can also text “DITCHJUUL” to 887-09 for a text-to-quit program.
Three county organizations working together on youth nicotine prevention strategies are Partnership for a Healthier Johnson County, Empower Johnson County and Tobacco Free Johnson County.
Students will see the message “Be the Majority” in their schools, a reminder that, contrary to what a teen’s perception may be, the majority of their peers are not smoking, drinking or doing drugs.
Johnson County high school football games hosted “Be the Majority” Tailgate Prevention Parties where students learned about a new county-wide youth council. Participants will design projects and activities around vaping, alcohol and other drugs initiate the activities in their own schools. They will also receive leadership training and have the opportunity to attend special events at the statehouse while garnering volunteer hours and professional references for college or work.
