Resources to help youth quit
The younger someone starts to use nicotine—either tobacco or vaping products—the harder it will be to quit. Nearly 90 percent of people who smoke start before they turn 18.1 Nicotine is a deadly addiction. It can harm the parts of the brain that are responsible for attention, learning and memory.2 In Oregon, one in four 11th graders reported using tobacco in 2019, including cigarettes, vape and chewing tobacco.
The tobacco industry widely markets e-cigarettes—also called vape—in sweet flavors kids love. With high levels of nicotine, thousands of fruity flavors and easy-to-hide packaging, e-cigarettes are the most common way young people use nicotine. E-cigarettes and other vape products aren’t producing water vapor; they make an aerosol filled with tiny chemical particles for people to inhale deep into their lungs. These aerosols include chemicals that are toxic or known carcinogens.
There is an alarming increase in youth e-cigarette use across the country. In just two years, from 2017 to 2019, youth vaping in Oregon went up 80 percent.3 Click here to see youth vaping rates in your community.
A guide and resources for parents and caregivers to talk with youth about the dangers of vaping. From the American Lung Association and Ad Council.
A new mobile program that helps teens quit. Text messages provide age-appropriate inspiration and support for young people throughout their quitting process. Teens and young adults can join for free by texting DITCHVAPE to 88709.
