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.
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