It is really important that young people understand the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle butare also aware of the dangers posed by drugs and alcohol.
A big concern surrounding young people at present is the rise in the numbers vaping.
- Most e-cigarettes (vapes) contain nicotine—the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products.
- A CDC study found that a large proportion of the e-cigarettes sold in assessed venues contained nicotine.
- Some vape product labels do not disclose that they contain nicotine, and some vape liquids marketed as containing 0% nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.
- Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain. The brain keeps developing until about age 25.
- Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
- Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections – or synapses – are built between brain cells. Young people’s brains build synapses faster than adult brains. Nicotine changes the way these synapses are formed.
- Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may need support with relation to drugs, including smoking and vaping or alcohol please ensure that you let someone know. This can be doen in person or through reporting through the website.
