Being a teen today isn’t easy. Between school, part-time jobs, social media, activities, friends, and figuring out plans for college, trade school, or entering the workforce, a lot is happening. On top of all that, there has been a rise in teen vaping in the past few years and more recently, a rise in the use of nicotine pouches.

At first glance, the fruity flavors and colorful packaging might seem harmless, but there’s a much bigger story underneath. How is all this nicotine affecting young people’s mental health? Let’s dive in and find out.

Did you know? Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 70% of young people said anxiety and depression were major problems among peers, according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

In the 2021–2022 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, teens ages 12–17 reported troubling mental health concerns: 21% experienced symptoms of anxiety in the past two weeks, 40% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year, and 20% seriously considered suicide. It’s clear that stress and anxiety affect many young people.

While teens are already facing growing mental health challenges, they are also navigating the public health concern that comes with the increase of nicotine products in the community.

According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, more than 1.63 million youth (7.9% of high school and 3.5% of middle school students) currently use e-cigarettes, and of young people who currently use a tobacco product, more than 1 in 3 used more than one type of product (E-Cigarette Use Among Youth | Smoking and Tobacco Use | CDC).

You can learn more about the rise of teen vaping in North Carolina in WRAL’s Documentary: Gen V: Teen Vaping in North Carolina explores the rise of teen vaping.

Results from the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey | FDA

The good news is that e-cigarette use has decreased among high school students. However, concerningly, there has been an increase among middle school students. It is widely known that nicotine harms the developing brain, making young people more vulnerable to addiction.

What many people don’t realize is the possible connection between nicotine use and mental health challenges. Research is ongoing and there is not yet direct evidence that nicotine causes mental illness, but numerous studies show that nicotine use can increase and worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Youth continue using other nicotine products for the same reasons. Unfortunately, while they may begin using nicotine to alleviate symptoms, it has been found that nicotine use can actually increase and worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, and has also been linked to heightened symptoms of ADHD.

In fact, surveys show that 45% of young people who vape believe it is acceptable to vape for stress relief, though that misunderstanding is likely due to the cycle of nicotine withdrawal and addiction. When someone stops using nicotine, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depression can occur.

Using nicotine products temporarily relieves these symptoms of withdrawal, but only for a short time. Because symptoms ease up, using nicotine again is falsely seen as “helping” or “relieving stress.” In actuality, the person is trapped in a cycle of use, withdrawal, increased use, and withdrawal and use again, which is the cycle of addiction. What may feel “helpful” is actually causing an increase of harm.

Because this harmful messaging is so present in youths’ lives, it is crucial that adults demonstrate healthy coping strategies for managing mental health challenges. Some proven self-help strategies include regular exercise, relaxation techniques, proper nutrition, and healthy sleep habits. Engaging in hobbies and activities can also be an effective way to manage stress without turning to tobacco products.

It is important to talk openly with young people about mental health and substance use, assure them that professional help is available, and help them access care. Youth need a trusted adult: someone who is encouraging, consistently present, and listens and supports them. This can make a huge difference in a young person’s life.

It is essential that caregivers have regular conversations about mental health and substance use. An easy way to start is using everyday opportunities to prompt conversations, for example, when watching a movie or reading a book. Using these strategies and fostering bonds with our children strengthens resilience and supports healthy brain development, allowing them to better handle stress.

In January 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General released a health warning about alcohol and cancer. It was based on growing research showing a strong connection between alcohol use and cancer (Alcohol and Cancer Risk, 2025). Here are some key facts from the warning:

• • Alcohol causes around 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.
  • Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer, after tobacco use and obesity. 
  • The Surgeon General suggests putting a cancer warning label on alcohol products.
  • The warning also recommends updating the guidelines for alcohol use. Even small amounts of alcohol may increase cancer risk.

“Moderate drinking” means having one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. But even this level of drinking can raise cancer risk.

• • Having open conversations about underage drinking.
  • Showing clear disapproval of alcohol use.
  • Taking steps to prevent it.

Research shows that if young people wait until they are 21 — or better yet, 24 to 25 — before trying alcohol, their brains will be more fully developed. This lowers their chances of developing problems with alcohol or other substances (Alcohol and Cancer Risk, 2025).

Many things shape how young people think about alcohol. One of the most powerful influences is adults. When adults make healthy choices around alcohol, it helps shape how kids see what is normal or expected.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, rules about indoor gatherings changed. Now, more places allow alcohol to be used outdoors and in public spaces—even in areas where families gather. To help reach the Surgeon General’s goal of lowering alcohol use, it’s important for communities to think carefully about where alcohol is allowed. When alcohol use becomes common in family-friendly places, it may send the wrong message to kids. This could lead to more underage drinking and other problems.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommendations to help communities create social and physical environments that support healthy choices and positive modeling.

To learn more, check out the CDC’s resource: Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use with Proven Strategies from CDC.

Knowledge is power. Did you know that peers play a big factor in youths’ attitudes towards alcohol? Youth who have peers who drink alcohol are more likely to use alcohol themselves. The Poe Center has multiple programs that address peer pressure and starting the conversation with youth about the risks of alcohol use. These programs are for upper elementary, middle, and high school students.

The Poe Center also offers sessions for parents and caregivers. These programs talk about:

• • Current trends in youth alcohol use
  • Health risks of alcohol and other substances
  • Tips for talking to your child about alcohol and other substances

You can learn more about these programs at poehealth.org.

Did you know that most kids who drink alcohol—about 75%—say they got it at home or a friend’s house? That’s why it’s so important for parents and caregivers to monitor and secure alcohol at all times to prevent youth access.

The Talk It Up, Lock It Up!^TM campaign offers simple steps to keep your home safe:

• • Monitor: Keep track of how much and what kind of alcohol is in your home.
  • Secure: Lock up alcohol in a cabinet, fridge or closet. You can find locks designed for those spaces at most hardware stores or online.

You can also take the Talk It Up. Lock It Up!^TM pledge and start having these important conversations with your child today.

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to celebrate healthy eating and raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights the powerful role food plays in bringing people together. From sharing meals with family and friends to fostering a sense of community through nutrition education, food is the common thread that unites us all.

Food is more than just sustenance. It’s a way for communities to bond, celebrate, and support one another. Whether it’s cooking together, sharing meals, or teaching others how to prepare certain recipes, food strengthens relationships. According to research, “the spread of health behaviors, such as eating habits, can ripple through social networks, suggesting that individuals are influenced by those around them” (Christakis & Fowler).

Food’s power to connect extends far beyond the act of sharing a meal. It’s about creating inclusive, healthy food systems that benefit everyone.

Connect with food in your community by visiting a local farmer’s market. Ask how food was grown or raised. Learn about resources that offer access to healthy food, such as SNAP, WIC, or local food banks. Consider starting a community garden. Initiatives and resources like these help build stronger communities by creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

A program that embodies the spirit of connection through food is the Poe Center’s Cooking with MyPlate Challenge. This program uses a fun, interactive, competitive team approach to teach participants about the importance of good nutrition while promoting teamwork and collaboration. By incorporating the MyPlate guidelines, participants learn healthy cooking strategies, gain an understanding of reading nutrition labels, and practice food safety.

Host your own “MyPlate Challenge:” gather your friends and family, divide into teams, and pick a healthy recipe. Take a look at ChopChop Magazine for nutritious family-friendly recipes. Make that recipe in teams, using MyPlate to identify food groups as you go. Taste-test your creations after and decide on a winner. There can be more than one winner – create awards for best-tasting, most creative, best teamwork, and more. Talk through what you liked, what was difficult, and what you learned about healthy eating.

Programs such as the Cooking with MyPlate Challenge show how food can encourage connection by blending education with fun, hands-on experiences. When people are given the knowledge and resources to make healthier food choices, they’re more likely to share that knowledge with others, creating a ripple effect. “People’s behaviors are contagious and can affect social networks, including dietary habits” (Christakis & Fowler).

It’s a great opportunity to foster a sense of pride and connection to your cultural background, while promoting well-being for future generations. Families who bond through meals in this way are empowered to make better choices at home, children carry healthy habits to school, and communities as a whole begin to see the positive impact of a collective focus on nutrition.