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Know the Risks: A Youth Guide to E-cigarettes

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Know the Risks: A Youth Guide to E-cigarettes

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Presentation package with facilitator guide and interactive activities about e-cigarette risks for youth.

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Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The resources on this page are intended for adults who educate or serve youth ages 11 - 18 (teachers, youth ministers, coaches, scout leaders, etc.). Utilizing the talking points and information for users document, the presenter does not require additional information, nor permission to deliver the presentation.

Keep in mind

CDC expects that users of this slide set will adhere to the following standards:‎

1. Not modify the content contained within individual slides.

2. Not imply or state, either in written or oral form, that any slides added to this slide set from other sources reflect official CDC policies or positions.

By using this slide set you signify your understanding of the above-stated terms.

Know the risks: a youth guide to e-cigarettes

Know the risks: a parent's guide to e-cigarettes and youth

CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) developed this presentation to educate parents on youth e-cigarette use, including the health risks, the factors that lead to e-cigarette use, and what parents can do to help youth avoid all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

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Guides to E-Cigarettes and Vapes Presentations

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Slide sets about e-cigarettes and vapes intended for adults who educate or serve youth ages 11 - 1

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Above the Influence: Drug Facts and Resources

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Above the Influence: Drug Facts and Resources

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Teen-focused website with interactive tools and reliable information about various substances. Includes downloadable materials for creating presentations.

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If you're overwhelmed and feeling stressed by the pressure to perform, there are safer, more effective solutions than taking medication that hasn't been prescribed to you.

AKA

Addies, Study Drugs, the Smart Drug

What is it?

Adderall is the trade name for a prescription stimulant (amphetamine) used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

When prescribed and taken correctly, under medical supervision, prescription stimulants can help treat a few health conditions. In addition to ADHD, they can be used to treat narcolepsy and occasionally depression. In treating ADHD, stimulants help regulate and normalize the dopamine and norepinephrine function in the brain, so a patient with this condition can focus better and pay more attention. 1

Other brand-name prescription stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Benzedrine.

The Risks

These drugs require a prescription for a reason. When abused they can become dangerous, and in some circumstances, even deadly. Effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, and at high doses, stimulants can cause irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures and the potential for seizures or heart failure.

Combining with alcohol can make for an especially dangerous mix. Stimulants mask the alcohol's depressant effects, increasing the risk for alcohol overdose or poisoning. 2

Long-Term Effects

Stimulants can be addictive. The more you take, the easier it is to get hooked. Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly over a short time can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure (heart attack) or lethal seizures. 3

The Bottom Line

Some people mistakenly believe that prescription stimulants can help them focus and perform better in school, whether or not they've been diagnosed with ADHD. Multiple studies show this isn't the case; in fact nonmedical use of prescription stimulants has been linked to lower GPAs among college students. 4

If you haven't been diagnosed with a condition that requires taking these drugs, and aren't taking them under a doctor's supervision, stimulant abuse can lead to dangerous side effects. If you're overwhelmed by the pressure to perform well in school, there are more effective solutions.

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If you're overwhelmed by the pressure to perform, there are safer, more effective solutions than taking medication that hasn't been prescribed to you.

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Free educational templates for creating professional infographics about drug awareness and prevention.

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Free, printable custom drug awareness poster templates | Canva

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Create powerful posters with our professionally made drug awareness poster templates and effectively raise awareness on drug addiction and related issues.

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Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America's Greatest Tragedy

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Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America's Greatest Tragedy

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A comprehensive look at addiction science and treatment, offering evidence-based information about prevention and recovery.

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Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction

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Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction

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A moving memoir that provides insight into the impact of addiction on families and the challenges of recovery.

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High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction

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High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction

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A practical guide for teens about drugs, alcohol, and addiction, written in an accessible and honest style.

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Online platform offering templates and tools for creating health-related infographics and visual presentations.

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Life expectancy has increased significantly over the years, but there are also a growing number of concerning health risks. To ensure the public are aware of these different risks, communicate health information effectively with Piktochart's extensive library of customizable infographic templates. Our user-friendly platform empowers healthcare professionals, educators, and students to transform complex medical data into visually striking presentations.

Choose from a wide range of professionally designed templates covering various health topics, including nutrition, fitness, disease prevention, and mental wellness. Easily customize colors, fonts, and graphics to match your brand or message. No design experience is needed - our intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes creating polished infographics quick and simple.

Boost engagement and improve understanding of health concepts by presenting information visually. Whether you're creating materials for patient education, public health campaigns, or academic presentations, Piktochart's health infographic templates help you communicate clearly and memorably.

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Free Customizable Health Infographic Templates

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Design eye-catching health infographics with Piktochart's free, customizable templates. Present medical data clearly and effectively in minutes.

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CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

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CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

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Interactive data system providing current statistics on youth health risk behaviors, including substance use.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Interactive quiz game that can be used to test knowledge and create educational materials about drugs and addiction.

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National Drug & Alcohol IQ Challenge | National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Encourages people to test their knowledge about drug use and addiction by asking them to take a 13-question quiz. Accompanying answers shed light on the science of drug use.

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Monitoring the Future: National Survey Results on Drug Use

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Monitoring the Future: National Survey Results on Drug Use

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Annual survey providing comprehensive data on substance use trends among adolescents. Excellent source for current statistics and research findings.

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Since 1975 the MTF survey has measured drug and alcohol use and related attitudes among adolescent students nationwide. A nationally representative sample of survey participants report their drug use behaviors across three time periods: lifetime, past year, and past month. The survey is funded by the NIDA, a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and conducted by the University of Michigan.

Results from the Survey are released each fall. To get the latest information, check the links below. Note: The findings and conclusions in these reports are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the NIH.

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Monitoring the Future | National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Since 1975 the MTF survey has measured drug and alcohol use and related attitudes among adolescent students nationwide.

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The Teen's Guide to Substance Use and Mental Health

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The Teen's Guide to Substance Use and Mental Health

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Offers teens practical advice on coping with substance use and the connections between mental health and addiction. Focus on self-care and recovery strategies.

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Mind Matters: A Teen's Guide to Understanding Drugs and Mental Health

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Mind Matters: A Teen's Guide to Understanding Drugs and Mental Health

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Educational resource that explains how different substances affect the brain, behavior, and mental wellness. Engaging content with interactive learning modules.

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An interactive guide for teens on the health risks associated with vaping. Includes quizzes and multimedia content for better engagement.

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Toolkit created to aid educators and students in understanding the dangers of substance use and strategies for prevention. Features lesson plans, videos, and interactive exercises.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Offers a collection of studies and resources on how addiction affects teens, providing relevant data and potential solutions.

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What is drug use?

Drug use, or misuse, includes:

Using illegal substances, such as

Misusing prescription medicines, including opioids. This means taking the medicines in a different way than the health care provider prescribed. This includes

Taking a medicine that was prescribed for someone else

Taking a larger dose than you are supposed to

Using the medicine in a different way than you are supposed to. For example, instead of swallowing your tablets, you might crush and then snort or inject them.

Using the medicine for another purpose, such as getting high

Misusing over-the-counter medicines, including using them for another purpose and using them in a different way than you are supposed to.

Why are drugs especially dangerous for young people?

Young people's brains are growing and developing until they are their mid-20's. This is especially true of the prefrontal cortex, which is used to make decisions. Taking drugs when young can interfere with developmental processes occurring in the brain. It can also affect their decision-making. They may be more likely to do risky things, such as unsafe sex and dangerous driving.

The earlier young people start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and become addicted later in life.Taking drugs when you are young can contribute to the development of adult health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.

Which drugs most commonly used by young people?

The drugs that are most commonly used by young people are alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Recently, more young people have started vaping tobacco and marijuana. There is still a lot we don't know about the dangers of vaping. Some people have unexpectedly gotten very ill or have even died after vaping. Because of this, young people should stay away from vaping.

Why do young people take drugs?

There are many different reasons why a young person may take drugs, including:

To fit in. Young people may do drugs because they want to be accepted by friends or peers who are doing drugs.

To feel good. Abused drugs can produce feelings of pleasure.

To feel better. Some young people suffer from depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and physical pain. They may do drugs to try to get some relief.

To do better in academics or sports. Some young people may take stimulants for studying or anabolic steroids to improve their athletic performance.

To experiment. Young people often want to try new experiences, especially ones that they think are thrilling or daring.

Which young people are at risk for drug use?

Different factors may raise a young person's risk for drug use, including:

Stressful early life experiences, such child abuse, child sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma

Genetics

Prenatal exposure to alcohol or other drugs

Lack of parental supervision or monitoring

Having peers and/or friends who use drugs

What are the signs that a young person has a drug problem?

Changing friends a lot

Spending a lot of time alone

Losing interest in favorite things

Not taking care of themselves - for example, not taking showers, changing clothes, or brushing their teeth

Being really tired and sad

Eating more or eating less than usual

Being very energetic, talking fast, or saying things that don't make sense

Being in a bad mood

Quickly changing between feeling bad and feeling good

Missing important appointments

Having problems at school - missing class, getting bad grades

Having problems in personal or family relationships

Lying and stealing

Memory lapses, poor concentration, lack of coordination, slurred speech, etc.

Can drug use in young people be prevented?

Drug use and addiction are preventable. Prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media may prevent or reduce drug use and addiction. These programs include education and outreach to help people understand the risks of drug use.

You can help prevent your children from using drugs through:

Good communication with your children

Encouragement, so your children can build confidence and a strong sense of self. It also helps parents promote cooperation and reduce conflict.

Teaching your children problem-solving skills

Setting limits, to teach your children self-control and responsibility, provide safe boundaries, and show them that you care

Supervision, which helps parents recognize developing problems, promote safety, and stay involved

Knowing your children's friends

NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Did you know that drug abuse is increasing in children and teens? Find out the facts.

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Resource hub with materials for understanding the impact of alcohol use on the teenage brain and behavior.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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SAMHSA - The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration

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SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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SAMHSA.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Truth Initiative: Tobacco and Teen Health

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Truth Initiative: Tobacco and Teen Health

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In-depth articles and statistics on tobacco use among teens, with graphics-ready content for educational purposes.

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Want support quitting? Join EX Program for free

Everyone deserves the chance to live free from nicotine addiction. Through our national public education campaigns, as well as in-school curriculums, we are inspiring a movement to live free from nicotine addiction by empowering young people to quit or never start in the first place.

National campaigns that prevent addiction and empower quitting

Our newest young adult campaign, Outsmart Nicotine, introduces a new generation to our market-leading, free EX Program, equipping them with the tools, resources, and support to quit for good or never start in the first place. Following the science and data, we are focusing on young adults (18-24) where prevalence of e-cigarette use is high and dual use of cigarettes is a growing concern. Developed over 15 years ago in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, EX Program supports anyone looking to quit smoking, vaping, or using any tobacco product with tools that have been proven to increase odds of quitting by up to 40%.

See the campaign

Curriculums to address the youth e-cigarette crisis

Youth nicotine addiction remains a serious public health concern. Among middle and high school students who currently vape, nearly 40% - over 620,000 teens - report using e-cigarettes frequently (38.4%), signaling signs of persistent nicotine addiction. To educate young people about the dangers of e-cigarette use, we provide a free digital course called Vaping: Know the truth that guides students through real-world scenarios in an authentic peer-to-peer youth voice. The curriculum also includes modules that address cannabis use and prescription drug misuse.

Learn more about our curriculums

A track record of saving lives

We have a legacy of transformative impact when it comes to nicotine addiction prevention and education. Our national public education campaigns helped bring down teen smoking from nearly 23% in 2000 to less than 2% today, and youth e-cigarette use to its lowest point in a decade.

See our impact

Youth engagement and training

Truth Initiative offers in-person and virtual leadership trainings with young people - including through our Tobacco/ Vape-Free College Program with over 230 campuses participating - to engage them in educating their peers on issues surrounding tobacco use, including physical and mental health consequences, health equity, and environmental impact. We also offer in-person and virtual training for adults at youth-serving organizations.

Explore youth and community initiatives

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YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT NICOTINE ADDICTION PREVENTION & EDUCATION

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Want support quitting? Join EX Program for free Everyone deserves the chance to live free from nicotine addiction. Through our national public education campaigns, as well as in-school curriculums, we are inspiring a movement to live free from nicotine addiction by empowering young people to quit or never start in the first place.

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Comprehensive guide on the effects of vaping on youth, with educational modules and infographic resources.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Overview

In the United States, youth use e-cigarettes, or vapes, more than any other tobacco product.

No tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe, especially for children, teens, and young adults.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine can harm the parts of an adolescent's brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

E-cigarette marketing, the availability of flavored products, social influences, and the effects of nicotine can influence youth to start or continue vaping.

Most middle and high school students who vape want to quit.

Many people have an important role in protecting youth from vaping including parents and caregivers, educators and school administrators, health care providers, and community partners.

States and local communities can implement evidence-based policies, programs, and services to reduce youth vaping.

E-cigarette use among U.S. youth

In 2023, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States. In 2023:

2.1 million (7.7%) students currently used e-cigarettes. This includes:

550,000 (4.6%) middle school students.

1.56 million (10.0%) high school students.

Among students who had ever used e-cigarettes, 46.7% reported current e-cigarette use.

Among students who currently used e-cigarettes:

1 in 4 (25.2%) used an e-cigarette every day.

1 in 3 (34.7%) used an e-cigarette on at least 20 of the last 30 days.

9 in 10 (89.4%) used flavored e-cigarettes.

Students who currently used e-cigarettes:

Most often used disposable e-cigarettes (60.7%) followed by e-cigarettes with prefilled or refillable pods or cartridges (16.1%).

Most commonly reported using the following brands: Elf Bar, Esco Bars, Vuse, JUUL, and Mr. Fog.

Most middle and high school students who vape want to quit and have tried to quit. In 2020:

63.9% of students who currently used e-cigarettes reported wanting to quit.

67.4% of students who currently used e-cigarettes reported trying to quit in the last year.

Most tobacco use, including vaping, starts and is established during adolescence. There are many factors associated with youth tobacco product use. These include:

Tobacco advertising that targets youth.

Product accessibility.

Availability of flavored products.

Social influences.

Adolescent brain sensitivity to nicotine.

Some groups of middle and high school students use e-cigarettes at a higher percentage than others. For example, in 2023:

More females than males reported current e-cigarette use.

Current use of e-cigarettes varied by race and ethnicity.

Non-Hispanic multiracial students: 20.8%.

Non-Hispanic White students: 18.4%.

Hispanic or Latino students: 18.2%.

Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native students: 15.4%.

Non-Hispanic Black or African American students: 12.9%.

Many young people who vape also use other tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars. This is called dual use. In 2020:

About one in three high school students (36.8%) who vaped also used other tobacco products.

One in two middle school students (49.0%) who vaped also used other tobacco products.

E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver other substances, including cannabis. In 2016, nearly one in three (30.6%) of U.S. middle and high school students who had ever used an e-cigarette reported using marijuana in the device.

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Learn how much youth in the United States use e-cigarettes.

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E-cigarettes: Facts, Stats and Regulations

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E-cigarettes: Facts, Stats and Regulations

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Up-to-date information on vaping statistics, health effects, and current regulations. Includes downloadable fact sheets and infographic templates.

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Comprehensive report on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, perfect for research-based projects.

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

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The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research

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Download a PDF of “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids” by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for free.

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USE THIS AS A PRIMARY RESOURCE!!!

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Crash Courses are concise summaries of the key topics in the curriculum. These are perfect for a range of audiences: educators teaching tobacco/nicotine prevention for the first time or those wanting more information.

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Crash Courses are concise summaries of the key topics in the curriculum. These are perfect for a range of audiences: educators teaching tobacco/nicotine prevention for the first time or those wanting more information.

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Quit smoking TODAY with FREE counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Attend classes and receive FREE nicotine patches.