Are There Teens Addicted to Smoking?

Many teenagers smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9 of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first tried smoking before age 18. Furthermore, approximately 1,600 youth try their first cigarette each day.  Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs on earth and is found in many products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, as well as chewing tobacco. When nicotine is absorbed by the body and then metabolized, adrenaline (a hormone) is secreted by the adrenal glands, leading to sparked feelings of pleasure and quick bursts of energy, which makes it appealing.

Are There Teens Addicted to Smoking?

There are many teens addicted to smoking. Teens who smoke and try to give up nicotine struggle with giving it up, just as adults do. Furthermore, the addiction rate for smoking is higher than that for alcohol, marijuana or cocaine.  In addition to cigarettes, vaping is another significant problem among teens, which is essentially another form of smoking. 21.5% of 8th grade students, 36.9% of 10th grade students and 42.5% of 12th grade students reported vaping at least once in their lives, according to teenage vaping statistics from 2018 Nicotine addiction among teens is a very realistic problem for teens who smoke tobacco products regularly. There is less government oversight and regulation about e-cigarettes and which products are in them. Many teens report vaping nicotine simply for the flavors that are added to them that make them so appealing. Nicotine has negative effects on the brain – especially in teens. The adult brain continues to develop and is not fully mature until 25 years of age, which means virtually all teenagers’ brains are still developing. Nicotine can decrease impulse control and increase the likelihood of developing addiction later in life – even to other substances aside from tobacco. 

Nicotine Addiction Symptoms in Teens

How can a person recognize the signs of nicotine addiction in teens? Some teens may exhibit more obvious signs of nicotine addiction than others. The symptoms that some teens may be more uncomfortable than others’ – especially if a physical dependence on nicotine has developed. Even teens who use nicotine infrequently can become addicted or have a difficult time dropping the habit right away.  Withdrawal from nicotine can occur in those who are addicted. Symptoms of nicotine addiction withdrawal can include:
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Sadness
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Cravings 

What to Do if Your Teen Is Smoking Cigarettes

If you suspect your child is smoking, it is first important to avoid using ultimatums or making threats. Ask questions to find out why your child is smoking or vaping. Discuss any changes that need to be made in your teen’s life to stop smoking.  You may also want to point out to your teen that it is likely that he or she is already addicted to nicotine. The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars each year on marketing to youth, glamorizing the use of e-cigarettes. Ask your child to consider if he has been targeted and manipulated by these companies to help motivate them to quit as this can make them feel angry. Perhaps he has experienced peer pressure from friends, which could eventually spiral into addiction to illicit substances that are even more harmful. If you feel your teen needs help quitting smoking, reach out to a program like ours at Adolescent Wellness Academy for help.

How Adolescent Wellness Academy Can Help Your Teen With Their Mental Health Today

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges. Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:
  • Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
  • After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.
When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team. Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.