Vaping & Teens: Risks, Reasons and Resources for Parents & Kids

A few years ago e-cigarettes were touted as a safer alternative to cigarettes. But it soon became apparent that was a questionable claim, particularly as child-friendly flavors and attractive vaping devices were enticing kids and young adults to try them. Recent evidence highlights the effects of nicotine on developing brains (i.e., the earlier kids start, the higher the risk), as well as the risk of life-threatening lung disease tied to toxic chemicals being heated (EVALI). In a 2019 outbreak, mostly among 18 - 24-year-olds vaping marijuana, 94% were hospitalized, half in the ICU.) But what parents say and do makes a significant difference in young people’s choices, as today’s guests know well. Dr. Kate Gliske is a research and prevention scientist with the Butler Center for Research, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and LeeAnn Mortensen is an Outreach Representative at HBFF, specializing in teens and vaping. In this episode of Mom Enough, Kate and LeeAnn discuss not only risks of vaping, but signs of use, reasons kids vape, effective steps parents can take to prevent vaping and resources to help teens stop. Don’t miss the research-based information and practical tips these guests provide! (Thanks to Mom Enough’s supporting partner, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, for providing these excellent guests.)   WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST CONCERNS ABOUT VAPING? What did you learn in this podcast about the known risks of vaping in young people? What do your kids know about the risks and the ways manufacturers of e-cigarettes have tried to hook young people on these products? Check out the resources recommended by today’s guests and consider having your kids explore them with you.   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VAPING, SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE? ❉ PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR HEALTHY CHOICES ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. JOSEPH LEE FROM THE HAZELDEN BETTY FORD FOUNDATION YOUTH CONTINUUM. Dr. Joseph Lee, Medical Director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Youth Continuum, joins Marti & Erin to bring strong words of hope about the power of the messages you give your children about drugs and alcohol.   ❉ VAPING, MARIJUANA AND CAPITALISM: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW. The long-term effects of vaping nicotine have not been well-studied. With regard to marijuana, legalization of recreational use in many states has led to full-on capitalistic efforts to refine strains, increase strength and offer products designed and labeled to appeal to a target market of potential users. But THC is known to have negative effects on young people’s developing brains, and, for a minority of users of any age, may trigger perceived threats and hallucinations. Dr. Lee makes clear that we need to understand how producers of these products may have their eye on our children.   ❉  Some additional resources on vaping and e-cigarettes: Minnesota Department of Health, American Lung Association, Stanford Toolkit, and The U.S. Surgeon General.