From traditional cigarettes to modern vaping, nicotine addiction remains one of the toughest challenges facing youth today. Approximately 34% of high school teens report they have easy access to cigarettes, while over 20% believe smoking 1 or more packs per day is not risky, when in fact nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.
Street Names
CigsSnuffChewSwisherDip
Why It Is Dangerous
Nicotine, whether delivered through smoking, chewing, or vaping, is highly addictive and harmful, and is one of more than 7,000 chemicals found in cigarettes. Once nicotine enters the bloodstream, it triggers cravings and dependency, leading to severe health risks, such as:
- Brain development: Nicotine interferes with brain growth, affecting memory, attention, and impulse control.
- Nicotine poisoning: A growing concern with highly concentrated vape liquids.
- Heart and vascular problems: Coronary heart disease, stroke, and weakened blood vessels.
- Respiratory issues: Lung cancer, emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). E-cigarettes and vapes often contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and flavorings that damage lung tissue. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, but the risks are clear.
Fast Facts
Nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine.
- Teens can develop dependency after just one use.
- Smoking and vaping harm nearly every organ in the body.
- Over 27% of high school teens report borrowing vape products from someone else
- E-cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals, not just "harmless water vapor."
- 8.4% of youth from 7th-12th grade report recent use of some form of tobacco/nicotine
Mythbuster
Many tweens/teens believe vapes are a safer alternative to smoking, but vaping is far from harmless. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine—the same highly addictive drug found in traditional cigarettes—along with harmful chemicals that can cause lung damage and other serious health issues. Don’t be fooled by fruity flavors or sleek designs; the risks are real.
A: Vapes contain nicotine which is the same product found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Vaping is not safer.
A: Physical effects of nicotine include:
• Rapid heartbeat
• Increase blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Greater likelihood of colds and flu
• Brain development can be affected, even in older teens
A: Nicotine is rapidly absorbed after ingestion and inhalation. In young children, anything greater than .5 mg of nicotine has been associated with signs of poisoning. Any child ingesting more than one whole cigarette or more than 3 butts requires medical attention.
A: Michigan changed the legal age to 21 in July 2022 to comply with federal regulations. Those who start smoking or vaping before age 21 have the hardest time breaking the habit.