Alcohol & Other Drugs Information

Nicotine
Nicotine is the chemical found in tobacco products that is responsible for addiction. When you use tobacco, nicotine is quickly absorbed into your body and goes directly to your brain. Nicotine activates areas of the brain that make you feel satisfied and happy. Whether you smoke, vape, or dip, the nicotine you are putting in your body is dangerously addictive and can be harmful to your developing brain. 

While traditional cigarette use amongst adolescents is declining, it is being replaced by e-cigarettes. While the e-cigarette companies attempt to market these as being safer and healthier than traditional cigarettes, some vape pods have high nicotine content. In some cases, smoking one vape pod can be equivalent to smoking 20 - 40 cigarettes worth of nicotine.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance by youth in the United States. Not only does alcohol consumption during adolescence pose a huge risk on their current development and health, but underage drinking is also shown to increase the likelihood of unhealthy habits around alcohol in adulthood.

Vaping
E-cigarettes (often called vape pens) are battery-operated vaping devices that heat a liquid until it becomes an aerosol (mist), which is inhaled. These aerosols usually contain nicotine, other harmful chemicals, and flavorings. Even e-cigarettes that claim to have no nicotine have been found to contain nicotine. Some might contain marijuana, herbs, or oils.

E-cigarettes often times look like small pens, or USB flash drives, can be easily canceled, and the liquid can come in flavors that are appealing to youth. Pods for e-cigarettes tend to have higher amounts of nicotine than standard cigarettes. In some cases, smoking one vape pod can be equivalent to smoking 20 - 40 cigarettes worth of nicotine Know the signs of vape use to look for.  

Cannabis 

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or dope, refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 compounds (or cannabinoids). These compounds include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is impairing or mind-altering, as well as other active compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a “high”.

Marijuana can be used in a number of ways including: smoking, vaping, infusing with foods or drinks, and/or inhaling the oil concentrates and other extracts from the cannabis plant - this is known as dabbing. THC oils and concentrates used in vaping and dabbing often involve using highly concentrated forms of THC and may contain additives or be contaminated with other substances that may be harmful.