Youth can relieve stress through healthy means and not by tobacco products, says the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Health Educator Lana Schrock explains middle and high school students say they use e-cigarettes because they feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, according to CDC reports.
“It’s important to note that nicotine addiction can actually contribute to those feelings or make them worse in use, so when young people use tobacco products to reduce stress, like during the school year, their contributing to a cycle of nicotine dependence and addiction.”
She says the fight is still happening regarding tobacco companies targeting youth with flavored nicotine products.
“The human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. Nicotine can do permanent damage to a developing brain. It effects long term ability to make decisions and it increases the risk of addiction to other substances.”
Healthy stress coping mechanisms include taking up a fun hobby, do light activity or exercise, have quiet time, or spend time in healthy family or friend relationships.
Schrock encourages youth the go to the free resource livevapefree.com.
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