Vaping is not harmless.
Don’t be fooled by colorful packaging and sweet flavors. Vapes are not just water vapor. They contain nicotine which is highly addictive and other harmful chemicals that can also cause serious health problems including lung damage and even cancer.
As a teenager, you have the power to make your own choices.
Don’t let vaping companies or peer pressure control your decisions. Make the choice to never vape.
Your future self will thank you.
In the 2023 PA Youth Survey, 87.6% of Berks County teens reported that they have never vaped in their lifetime
Vapes and other e-cigarettes are not just water vapor. They usually contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. They also may contain flavorings and other chemicals that can harm the lungs.
Nicotine comes from the tobacco plant, and it’s found in ALL tobacco products, including vape pods. Nicotine is the substance that gets you hooked and vape companies will do anything to get you hooked on nicotine. By keeping you craving more, these companies know they’ll have customers for life.
For people struggling with mental health, quitting nicotine can help. Nicotine use can harm the developing brain and intensify anxiety symptoms and feelings of depression, and can also lead to trouble sleeping
Learn more from Truth Initiative: 3 myths about mental health and quitting nicotine
Teens are especially sensitive to nicotine’s addictive effects because their brains are still developing, which makes it easier to get hooked. Using nicotine while your brain is still developing can also make you more vulnerable to becoming addicted to other drugs, and can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Sources: Smokefree.gov, The Risks of Tobacco/Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine withdrawal affects both the brain and the body, and the cravings and emotions that come with withdrawal can feel overwhelming. However, there are methods to help people cope with nicotine withdrawal and find a quit that sticks.
Learn more from Truth Initiative: 5 tips for handling nicotine withdrawal
You’re not alone. There are many resources available to help teens quit smoking or vaping.
Smoke Free Teen Tools for Quitting (Text 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)) Find text message programs, apps, online chats, hotlines and more to help to help teens quit nicotine products.
Truth Initiative: Ex Program: (Sign up here: Outsmart Nicotine | Join EX Program) 24/7 personalized text support.
My Life My Quit: (Text “Start My Quit” to 36072) Free and confidential resources to help Pennsylvania teens quit smoking or vaping.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Get facts and basic information on vaping
Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU): Be part of a movement of PA youth helping to advocate for tobacco control issues.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids: Youth can advocate for change against big tobacco companies.
