DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we bring you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines electronic cigarettes.
What is it and what does it look like?
Although teen smoking is on the decline, e-cigarettes and vapor pens are increasing in popularity among youth. They come in various designs, but they all include a battery, a heating element called an atomizer, and a liquid nicotine cartridge.
Other street names?
· E-cig
· E-liquid
· Smoke Juice
· PV for Personal Vaporizer
· Ego
· E-juice
· Juice
· Mods
What are the effects?
· Although they do not produce tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other chemicals that are potentially harmful
· Nicotine is highly addictive
· Because they are relatively new to the market, there is little information available about the long-term effects
What every parent should know:
These devices allow the user to inhale the nicotine or other drugs, like marijuana, producing a low-odor, smokeless vapor. Manufacturers add flavoring and use packaging that is attractive to youth. The liquid nicotine can be absorbed through the skin and poses a danger to young children who become exposed. Some of these devices can be used to vaporize hash oil or dry marijuana leaves.
The mission of DrugFreeAZKids.org is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars and evidence-based workshops to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
