Nicotine is a stimulant that can affect the brain and body. It is known for producing feelings of pleasure, alertness, and relaxation. Nicotine can be found in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other commercial tobacco products such as nicotine pouches. 

According to the Centre of Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH), when someone becomes physically and psychologically reliant on nicotine it becomes a nicotine dependence, otherwise known as nicotine addiction. 

Youth may start smoking or vaping as a social experiment; however, it can quickly turn to an addiction.

How nicotine affects the brain:

• Dopamine release: nicotine triggers a series of events in your brain that leads to a release of dopamine, also known as the “feel good” chemical. This releases signals to the brain that consuming the nicotine is something rewarding and it encourages you to repeat the behaviour.
  
  
• Tolerance: The brain starts to depend on nicotine to trigger the dopamine release which contributes to the development of tolerance. The more you consume nicotine, the more your brain needs to release dopamine.
  
  
• Mental health: nicotine dependence can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression and lead to poor mental health.
  
  
• Psychological dependence: many people associate nicotine with certain situations or habits, like having a cigarette with morning coffee or vaping when stressed. 
  

How nicotine affects the body:

• Physical dependence: The body becomes physically dependent on nicotine over time, leading to withdrawal symptoms when it's not available.
  
  
• Cardiovascular issues: Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure which can contribute to heart disease over time. 
  
  
• Respiratory issues: If combined with smoking or vaping, nicotine can damage the lungs and airways, leading to chronic conditions like bronchitis or emphysema.
  
  
• Cancer risk: Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and many other types of cancer due to the harmful chemicals in tobacco.

Nicotine pouches are a new product and are becoming very popular. According to the Canadian Lung Association, they are used like tobacco or snus, but instead of tobacco, they have nicotine powder and flavouring. These pouches come in many flavours that are designed to attract youth. They are also more discreet and harder to notice. Since this product is new, the long-term effects are unknown. However, it's important to remember that no amount of nicotine is safe for youth.

Vaping can quickly become an addictive habit with serious health risks. Those who vape may be more likely to start smoking regular (tobacco) cigarettes.  Chronic bronchitis and lung damage are possible life-threatening risks of vaping. To successfully stop vaping, it’s important to understand the risks associated with it and take steps to quit. Youth and people who do not smoke, should not vape. Vaping is marketed as a safer option for those who smoke. A less harmful option doesn’t mean that there are no risks. See here for more facts and information on vaping so you can make an informed decision. 

Quitting vaping, at any age, can improve your overall health. By stopping, you can reduce your risk of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, lung damage, and respiratory problems. It will also reduce your chances of heart attack or other heart related issues, while also improving your blood circulation and allowing your lungs to heal. This can result in fewer coughing episodes and improved breathing ability during physical activity. Additionally, quitting can also help you avoid the short-term effects of nicotine addiction, such as headaches, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. 

Pressure from friends and peers can be tough, but it’s Ok to say “no thanks, I’m not interested”. Here are some tips to help you say no when peers try to pressure you to try vaping:  

• Say a simple “No thanks,” or “Nah, that’s not my thing”.
• Change the topic – “Hey are you going to practice today”.
• Walk away and do something else.
• Talk with a friend, parent, or trusted adult.
• Blame you parents – you can use them as the “bad guy”.
• Create a code word with your parent, caregivers and/or friends to let them know you need an excuse to leave a situation.

Click on these links for more ways to say NO:

Vaping: Activity: Refusal skills
Teens: Learning About Vaping

It starts with planning: 

• What are the top three reasons why you want to quit?  
• Write these down. 

The ‘Not An Experiment’ website can help you with quitting vaping or help with quitting tobacco products. Vaping has long-term negative health effects visit NotAnExperiment.ca for information about going vape-free for good!

Reward yourself: 

• Make a list list of ways to reward yourself when quitting and reward yourself after you have quit for a day, a weekend or a week. 

Triggers

Be aware of triggers that can affect you: 

• Triggers can be places. 
• Triggers can be people. 
• Avoid triggers, temptations and cravings by being aware of them and having a plan to deal with them. 

Solutions for Triggers

Think about ways to deal with triggers, withdrawal or cravings: 

• Drink water. Deep breathing. Distract yourself. 
• Talk to a friend. Text a friend.
• Stay busy. Get active. Go for a walk. Climb stairs. 
• Chew sugar free gum. Read a book. Doodle. 

Think about people who will be there to support you when you are quitting: 

• Make a list of people who you can turn to for support. 
• The list includes people you can talk to about quitting. 
• The list includes people you can depend on while quitting. 
• The list may include your health care provider or your pharmacist. 
• People on your list are good role models, or good listeners, are very encouraging or are very patient and caring.  
• Let them know how you would like to be supported when quitting.

Be prepared for withdrawal symptoms and have a plan to deal with the symptoms.
You may experience: 

• Feeling anxious 
• Feeling sad  
• Feeling tired 
• Headaches 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Strong urge to vape 

Withdrawal symptoms are normal and will get better over time. If your symptoms do not go away, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist. 

https://kidshelpphone.ca/ and Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/our-services

https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/

CAMH - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Consider the Consequences of Vaping - Canada.ca

Online Youth Wellness Hub - Health Canada Experiences

I quit for me - Canada.ca

Quit Smoking: Awareness resources - Canada.ca

Vaping awareness resources - Canada.ca

Tools for a smoke-free life

The Tobacco industry re-invented itself to create e-cigarettes (vaping). This new invention was appealing to many because:

• People, especially youth, love electronic devices.
• Removing the need to burn tobacco means vapes can be marketed as a "safer" alternatives to cigarettes.
• E-liquid comes in thousands of flavours, making them appealing to users of all ages. 
• Over 90% of youth who vape, started with a flavoured vape.

• Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vapes are battery-powered devices that vaporize the liquid contents (called e-liquid) of a cartridge that is then inhaled by the user.
  
  
• E-cigarette devices and e-liquid/cartridges are not regulated for consumer safety.
  e.g. There are no regulations to prevent manufactures from using diacetyl, a flavouring agent known to cause irreversible lung damage.

E-Liquid, the liquid contents in an electronic cigarette or vape, is made up of:

• Chemical Flavouring
• Nicotine
• Glycerin
• Propylene Glycol (PG) is one of the main ingredients found in e-liquids and is a known irritant when inhaled.

• New “smart vapes” include high-tech features such as GPS tracking, phone connectivity, Bluetooth connection and a unique screen displaying personal photos.
  
  
• There are other models that feature video game controls. These products are attractive to youth and may couple nicotine addiction with gaming disorders, according to a paper published in Tobacco Control.

• Retailers cannot sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to those under 19. Despite this, e-cigarette sellers are targeting youth on social media by promoting discreet shipping methods that hide products in items like cosmetics or hair accessories, bypassing age verification.
  
  
• Hey Parents, Let's Talk About Vaping
  
  
• Learn the Lingo: Vaping: Learn the lingo - Canada.ca

Talk to your youth about the influence that the tobacco industry and social influence can have. 

Video on Vaping and the tobacco industry

Video on Vaping and Social Influence

There are several risks for Youth who vape. According to Not An Experiment, it can include:

• Immediate and long-term health effects
• Lung damage and changes to the brain
• Addiction to nicotine
• Difficulty learning and reduced impulse control
• Increased anxiety and stress

Video on Vaping and Health Effects

Video on Vaping and Addiction

Parents, caregivers, teachers and other trusted adults can all initiate a conversation and help support youth by talking about smoking and vaping and understanding it.  

• Talking with your teen about vaping: A tip sheet for parents
• Understanding kids and teens smoking and vaping