To the editor:
Teenage years are known as a time of exploration and a bit of risk taking, but when the risks go towards tobacco and nicotine use, the risks are higher than ever. The tempting allure of fitting in and the influence of the media can lead teens down a dangerous path filled with long term consequences towards not only their health but future as well.
Imagine being at a party. People, even friends, doing bad things they claim are better than other alternatives. What they are doing may seem harmless, but with every time they choose that path, it is underlined with risks of addiction and lasting damage to what is still a developing body. This is not just a fake scenario, this is the reality many teens face on a daily basis. Stuck at a fork in the road to their future. One path clear of the dangers of tobacco and vaping, the other clouded by temptation, peer pressure and addiction.
Most kids or even adults alike, are lured into addiction by not being educated on the matter. According to recent studies as of 2020 to now, out of the 1.63 million, or 5.9%, of middle and high school students that use e-cigarettes, 26.3% use them every day since starting; 63.9% claim wanting to quit, and 67.4% have tried to quit in the past year. There are many influences that cause most cases of tobacco use to start in the adolescence years. These include: advertising towards youth, accessibility to flavored products and most importantly, community and social influences.
Despite the odds, there are ways to help the youth against the (promotion) of nicotine and tobacco. Some of the main factors being education. Educating your child or peer can do wonders in just moments. Underlining the effects of nicotine addiction and how it can evolve and affect one’s future is more helpful than most people think. You can also direct someone to professional help in cases you can not quite help with yourself. Whether that be for someone you know, or your own well being.
Going to livevapefree.com, you are offered additional support and motivation with no judgement in sight! Going straight to their website you have access to a 24/7 online program, set to specifically help guide you through the sharp paths of cravings and more!
The program sets you up on a direct walkthrough, with nine motivational lessons, your own personal timeline based on your ideal quit date, and tips and resources on how to get past those withdrawals that come alongside the path to quitting. They even send out a free NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) kit for adults 18 years or older. It comes filled with nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, all recommended to steer you past the hardships of the new path you’ve chosen.
Brynlee Hutt
