The Great American Smoke Vapeout 2024: A Youth Perspective
Tamika M. Gilchrist, MPH
Substance Use Prevention Assistant Director
Poe Center for Health Education
Kieran Patel, 12th Grade Student
Poe Center Youth Empowerment Leader
Poe Center for Health Education
Did you know that tobacco use among middle and high school students in North Carolina is alarming? Among current tobacco users in North Carolina, 57,300 are high school students and 18,600 are middle school students. E-cigarettes continue to be the #1 tobacco product used by youth and the use of nicotine pouches is on the rise.
Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society hosts the Great American Smokeout to support those who want to quit. According to the 2022 North Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey (2022 NC YTS), an estimated 43,800 high school students and 12,500 middle school students in NC are current e-cigarette users. These numbers are startling and highlight a growing dependency on tobacco among youth.
Electronic nicotine delivery devices, also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, vapes, and many other names, have grown in popularity over the last decade. There are now over 460 different types of e-cigarette brands, ranging from medium-sized and large rechargeable devices to disposable ones. All of these devices deliver the same harmful and addictive chemical: nicotine. Nicotine, found in tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes, is highly addictive, which makes quitting difficult.
There are many misconceptions about vaping. For example, some believe that the “vapor” produced by e-cigarettes is simply water vapor. In reality, e-cigarettes produce a heated aerosol cloud that contains nicotine, flavorings, and ultra-fine particles that are inhaled into the lungs.
So, What Are Youth Saying About Vaping?
We sat down with Kieran Patel, a high school senior and Poe Center Youth Empowerment Leader, to hear what she had to say about vaping and its impact on her peers.
Question: How big of a problem is vaping among teens?
Answer: In my opinion, vaping is a big problem because of the impact it has on a teenager’s brain impacting their ability to learn. From the moment anyone, especially youth, tries a vape, their body is addicted. The addiction factor makes it difficult to quit and can affect someone for the rest of their life without the proper help and support.
Q: Why do you think vaping is so popular, especially among your age group?
A: I have seen vaping become popular due to the fruity flavors like cotton candy and enticing colors that make it seem like it is fun and harmless. I also think that peer pressure plays a factor in the popularity of vaping. Once someone is exposed to nicotine, their brain starts craving it, which makes it even more addictive.
Q: Can you talk about your efforts to combat vaping?
A: I joined the Poe Center’s Youth Empowerment team to find a way to make a difference among my peers. I’m passionate about reducing vaping because it provides no benefits to society and harms individual health.
Q: What are your concerns about the long-term effects of vaping on your peers?
A: My biggest concern is the long-term damage to both the lungs and the brain. Vaping damages the airways, which can lead to chronic lung conditions. There are also cardiovascular risks, such as increased blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In addition to the physical health issues, vaping can contribute to anxiety and depression because of the impact nicotine has on brain development.
Initiative to Combat Vaping: Escape the Vape Campaign
Escape the Vape is a youth-led campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and to provide cessation resources to those who are already vaping. The campaign includes a week of activities, information, and initiatives aimed at helping students be vape-free.
A Wake County Poe Youth Empowerment leader first learned about the campaign at a national conference with youth empowerment leaders from all around the country. Eager to replicate the initiative, the youth leader pitched the idea to their high school administrators. After receiving approval, students piloted the campaign in two Wake County schools. The results were encouraging with over 100 direct clicks to cessation resources, increased knowledge about vaping and its dangers, and signatures from their peers pledging to be vape-free.
Thinking about quitting nicotine?
Finding a path to quitting can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help ease the process. If you’re asking, “Can I really quit vaping?” or, “Will my health improve if I quit?” The answer is yes: quitting nicotine use can lead to significant health improvements. Over time, you’ll notice better lung function, improved blood circulation, healthier heart rate, increased energy, and much more.
Tips to help you quit vaping, smoking, or using nicotine pouches:
-
- Pick a “Quit Day”
Mark it on your calendar and make it official! Tell your friends and family so they can support you through the process. - Remove Triggers
Get rid of anything that makes you want to vape, such as vapes, vape accessories, cigarettes, lighters, and e-juice. Clean out your space and make it a trigger-free zone. - Find Healthier Alternatives
When the urge to vape hits, distract yourself with something healthy. Go for a walk, drink water, or get active. Avoid situations where you’re tempted, like hanging out where you know people are smoking or vaping. - Stock Up on Oral Substitutes
Keep chewable things such as gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, or even straws on hand. These can help with cravings and keep your mouth busy. - Change Up Your Routine
If you always vape at certain times or places, switch up your general routine. Take a different route to school or work, or swap coffee for tea. Breaking any routine helps break habits such as vaping. - Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Drinking water is important. It can help with cravings and ease nicotine withdrawal. Plus, staying hydrated helps you feel better overall.
- Pick a “Quit Day”
Quitting tobacco use isn’t easy, but help is available. If you or someone you know is seeking resources to quit smoking or vaping, visit www.QuitLineNC.com or call 1-800-Quit-Now.
Additional resources include Live Vape Free, a North Carolina program offering 24/7 text support, engaging lessons about vaping, and powerful resources.
To get started, text VAPEFREENC to 88709. Additional support can also be found at the Duke Smoking and Tobacco Cessation Programs and the UNC Tobacco Use Treatment Program.
Interested in learning more about Escape the Vape and other Poe Youth Empowerment Team initiatives?
Contact Tamika Gilchrist at [email protected].
Featured Program: Vaping 101
Vaping 101 educates participants on the latest research about the addictive nature of nicotine and how it impacts their growing brain and body. This program covers important resources and skills to empower healthy decision making. Participants will be engaged in a group game format, videos and discussion.
Program Participants: Middle and High School Students
Program Length: 60 minutes