Vaping: What You Need To Know

Electronic Vaping Delivery Examples

Easily recognized as one of the most popular substance use trends among teens, vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or similar devices commonly known as “vapes”. These devices contain flavored e-liquids, nicotine and/or cannabis (marijuana).

Although initially created to help existing smokers quit, enticing flavors such as mango, mint and tutti frutti have attracted young people and non-smokers to the products. Their popularity has by far eclipsed that of smoking cigarettes among today’s adolescents.

But, it’s important to know that vapes are not safe. Thousands of illnesses and even several dozen deaths have been linked to their use.

According to the CDC’s National Youth Tobacco Survey, 1 in 5 high school students reported use of vapes in the past month. With ample advertising geared toward teens and young adults, the availability of brightly colored vape pens and thousands of flavors to choose from, the expectation is that growth will continue. To help counter-balance the manipulative and deceptive messages and misinformation being directed at teens, parents should be prepared to answer the big questions their kids may have about the practice.       (Partnership to End Addiction, drugfree.org)