Besides irritating the lungs, these drugs also affect how someone thinks, acts and feels. All this being said, it is worth mentioning that despite your best efforts, your teen may have a very difficult time quitting vaping because nicotine is actually incredibly challenging to quit. About 90% of people who try to quit fail because the biological dependence is so strong.
PARENT TIPS: HEALTHY HABITS AT HOME
- In addition, one 2021 study of vaping aerosols and liquids identified the presence of nearly 2,000 unknown chemicals.
- This epidemic has become a reality that parents are dealing with (and dreading) on a daily basis.
- Unfortunately, stress is universal and can be experienced at a young age.
- Aaron Weiner, PhD, is a licensed, board-certified psychologist, master addiction counselor, clinician, author, and frequent speaker on addiction treatment and issues.
Teens might be annoyed that their parents are invading their privacy, or afraid anything they share will land them in trouble. CHOC teen advisers, a group of teens active in their community, committed to academic success, and who support CHOC’s mission, offer their advice for teens struggling to deal with peer pressure to vape. Remember, they may be feeling embarrassed about getting caught, or scared about the consequences of their choices. Or maybe they’re angry about being asked to give up something that they enjoy—something that makes them feel good. Make room for their feelings and let them know it’s okay—whatever they’re feeling is just part of the process. Teenagers want to feel a sense of control over their own bodies; this is important to respect.
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Parents may want to keep an eye out for vaping devices, which may be anything from pen-like sticks to Juuls that look like USB devices. Be aware that the designs are getting more disguised—some even look like a watch. Free wallet-sized relapse prevention tool now available.
Parents can be ready to help
Vapes and e-liquids have often been touted as fun, fruit-flavored, and safe. One out of four high school seniors reported past-month nicotine use, according to a recent survey funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Also concerning is the near doubling of high school seniors reporting past-month marijuana vaping, from 7.5% in 2018 to 14% in 2019.
Or you might believe that vaping is so common among people your own age that the dangers must be overblown. She’s also researching the influence of advertising and e-cigarette how to deal with peer pressure prevention messages on teens and adults, including warning labels. It may seem obvious, but make sure your kid understands that vaping comes with health risks.
- Vaping involves inhaling the vapor from an e-cigarette, e-pipe, vape pod, vape pen, or similar device.
- From babies to teens, pediatricians from CHOC’s Primary Care Network partner with parents to offer immunizations, sick visits, sports physicals and more.
- As many parents know, teens often don’t want to listen or talk about tough topics like vaping.
- Koval says this can be a jumping off point for a good conversation.
- Start by educating yourself on addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
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Wait for the right opportunity to increase the chance that you are heard. Maybe you’re passing a vape shop, watching TV together or talking before your child goes to a concert with friends. It’s good for these conversations to occur more than once, over time, so don’t feel rushed to cram everything into one session, Lebowitz adds. You can explain that you’re learning about vaping just like they are, says Deepa Camenga, MD, a Yale Medicine pediatrician who researches youth substance use. As the research was only a trial, people who smoke are reminded that A&E departments are not currently handing out free vapes. The authors say the research highlights the effectiveness of opportunistic e-cigarette interventions, demonstrating multiple quitting pathways, showing that different people benefit in various ways.
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If your child defends their habit, try keeping an open dialogue and avoid scolding. The use of electronic nicotine products among adolescents has become a major concern. Results from the recent FDA study also show that of youth who vape, 9 out of 10 are using flavored e-cigarettes and over 25% are using them every day. Before the conversation, get comfortable with the key dangers and potential motivations for kids to vape. Expressing care and concern is one of the best ways to support your child. You can play a significant role in protecting your child from the dangers of vaping and nicotine dependence.
Defense: “Vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes.”
Or they can blame a parent for being overly strict about vaping. Lebowitz suggests waiting to have a conversation for a time when both parties are calm and relaxed. That way, the parent can also be more aware of basic but helpful aspects of communication, such as ensuring that they are using a calm tone of voice and body language.
If you have a hard time identifying your triggers, keep a craving journal. Record information such as when the craving started, what you were doing, and who you were with. The stress of prepping for a job interview, for example, could increase your desire to vape. You might also turn to nicotine to cope with loneliness or boredom. Difficulty retaining information in class or staying focused on your homework can lead to academic challenges.
