With back-to-school season drawing near and COVID-19 protocols
becoming less restrictive, teenagers will soon encounter more opportunities for
socialization. This unfortunately could mean exposure to vape products, which
often have high concentrations of nicotine and harm the still-developing brain.
The New York State Smokers' Quitline (Quitline) wants
teenagers and their parents to know free resources are available for learning
how to overcome nicotine addiction to tobacco and/or vape products.
During a recent webinar hosted by the Quitline, titled, "Addressing
Tobacco and Nicotine Use by Youth and Young Adults," the Quitline
partnered with two top pediatricians and a representative from the American
Academy of Pediatrics. Together, they discussed the challenges teens face with
nicotine addiction and how both parents and healthcare professionals can offer
support. Dr. Rachel Boykan, a clinical professor of pediatrics at Stony Brook
University's Renaissance School of Medicine, explained that while overall prevalence
of tobacco product use has decreased among New York State teens, the frequency
of use has increased. She said this creates a concern for potential long-term
addiction.
"Teens are particularly susceptible to addiction; the brain continues to
mature through about age 25," said Dr. Boykan. "If it's hard for
an adult to stop using nicotine products, it's even harder for a teen. Early
data shows vape products – the most popular products among teens – are
associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, difficulty concentrating
and sleeping, behavioral concerns, low self-esteem and impulsivity."
READ MORE: Proper medication use can help tobacco users overcome nicotine addiction
Julie Gorzkowski Hamilton, director of adolescent health promotion for the
American Academy of Pediatrics, warns parents that one "pod" or
disposable vape cartridge can have as much nicotine as an entire pack of
cigarettes. Once teens start using vape products regularly, she said, they may
want to use them more and more.
"Many teens don't recognize they’re addicted. Parents and healthcare
professionals need to let them know they're there for support," Gorzkowski
Hamilton said. "Some pediatricians have found success offering a
'two-week challenge,' a strategy for teens who don't think they're addicted. Ask
them to try stopping for two weeks and see how it goes. If they have trouble,
they may come back with interest in trying to quit."
Dr. Sara Siddiqui, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the NYU
Grossman School of Medicine, noted that preaching to teens is often
counter-intuitive. Instead, teens need education that tobacco and vape products
do not relieve stress, but rather, add to stress.
"Children will need their parents' support for help," Dr. Siddiqui
said. "This is an addiction, and quitting is hard. To parents,
I say: your child needs you more than ever now."
The Quitline posted the webinar recording, slides and a youth and young
adult cessation guide at its Online News Room.
Additionally, the Quitline promotes a New York State-specific version of the
Truth Initiative's text-based intervention, "This is Quitting." New
York State youth and young adults can text "DropTheVape" to
88709; the program offers age-appropriate quitting recommendations for both
13-17 and 18-24 age ranges. Parents also can receive daily advice to help youth
by texting "QUIT" to 202-899-7550.
The Quitline continues to provide coaching support seven days a week via phone
at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), through text messaging and
online at nysmokefree.com. Most
participants aged 18 and older are eligible to receive a free starter kit of
NRT medications shipped to their home address, usually consisting of nicotine
patches and/or nicotine gum or lozenges.
Today's youth and young adults face mental health challenges and peer pressure
at seemingly every turn, and the rigors of school are taxing enough on their
brains. The Quitline hopes teens never turn to nicotine products, especially
due to the high potential for addiction and adverse health consequences. For
those who are addicted and struggling, the Quitline is here to help. Healthcare
professionals and parents, likewise, should offer support and encouragement as
part of a journey to become nicotine-free.
About the
New York State Smokers' Quitline
The New
York State Smokers' Quitline is a service of the New York State Department of
Health and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is one of the
first and busiest state quitlines in the nation, and has responded to nearly 3
million calls since it began operating in 2000. The Quitline encourages tobacco
and vape product users to talk with their healthcare professionals and access
available Medicaid or health insurance benefits for medication support. All New
York State residents can call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487)
or text QUITNOW to 333888 for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven
days a week beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com for more information.
About
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Roswell
Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to
eliminate cancer's grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through
personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by
Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated
comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at
1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org.
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