Vaping

About

E-cigarettes are devices that typically deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other additives to users through an inhaled aerosol. The use of e-cigarettes among youth is an exploding trend — from 2011 to 2015, vaping rose by over 900% among high school students, according to a report issued by the Surgeon General. It remains by far the most common form of nicotine use among young people.

These devices are referred to by a variety of names, including “juuls” e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” and “tank systems.” E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver other drugs besides nicotine, such as marijuana.

Scientists are still learning more about how e-cigarettes affect health. However, there is already enough evidence to justify efforts to prevent e-cigarette use by young people. We know that the vapor from e-cigarettes is harmful because it contains harmful chemicals, in addition to nicotine. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can cause addiction and can harm the developing brain.

medical disclaimer >

Hotlines

Featured

Youth Line - 24/7 Hotline

YouthLine is a free, confidential teen-to-teen crisis and help line. Contact us with anything that may be bothering you. No problem is too big or too small for the YouthLine!

Teen Line (9pm-1am EST)

Teen Line is a confidential hotline for teenagers which operates every evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm PST.

One-on-One Help to Address Your Child’s Substance Use

Get One-on-One Help to Address Your Child’s Substance Use. Support available in Spanish and English.

Crisis Text Line, Text HELLO to 741741 (24/7)

Free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

Service Providers

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Recovery Centers of America at Raritan Bay (and other locations)

Providing 24 hour access to immediate inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment, accepts many private insurance plans.

Maxwell Institute

Outpatient chemical dependency treatment and education services for adults, adolescents, and their families.

Families Anonymous

12 step fellowship for the family and friends of individuals with drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues.

Snyder, Angela, Social Worker @ PMS

Full-time social worker at PMHS available to counsel students about social and emotional issues and substance use.

Sara Braun, LCSW

Specializes in individual therapy for adolescents and young adults, as well as parenting support.

Therapy Collective

A group of caring, creative, insightful, and dedicated psychotherapists who approach mental health from a holistic perspective.

Articles

Featured

Chris Herren Talks to PMHS Students

On October 5, 2021, former NBA star, Chris Herren, spoke to all 9th - 12th graders at PMHS about substance abuse, self-esteem, and taking care of one another. The night before, Chris addressed the Pelham community with a related message of overcoming adversity and challenging parents to “ask why” if their children come home high. Click here for an article by the Pelham Examiner covering the student assembly.

Helping Teenagers Quit Vaping

"The sense you want to give is, your child does not have permission to do this." We know from national studies and what our own Pelham teens say, parental disapproval is the #1 deterrent to substance use. Read article.

The Mysterious Vaping-Related Illness That's 'Becoming an Epidemic'

Our recent survey tells us that 13% of Pelham teens have vaped in the last 30 days, with 30% of our 12th graders having done so. We need to stay on top of this epidemic for our kids. https://buff.ly/2MLNSnh

Surgeon General Sounds Alarm On Risk Of Marijuana Addiction And Harm

Marijuana use is on the rise, particularly via vaping. More states are legalizing marijuana for adults, but the Surgeon General says the dangers of use among teens are increasing. Read here to learn more. . .

Vaping: Get the Facts

The assembly allowed parents and students to learn more about what vaping is, its effects on the brain compared to cigarettes, what signs of vaping parents may see in their child, and how to approach your kids if you suspect them of using e-cigarettes.

How to Talk With Your Kids About Vaping

Tips for how to talk to your kids about the vaping epidemic from Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Organizations

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Mental Health Resource Center by The JED Foundation

The Jed Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges and make a successful transition to adulthood.

ULifeline

ULifeline offers information and immediate help to college students experiencing mental health issues or participating in risky behaviors.

Half of Us

Half of Us provides resources for all types of mental health concerns, as well as offering ways to call or text for immediate help.

Cutting and Self-Harm

Information and resources for people who cut and their families.

Child Mind Institute

The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders through research, education, and clinical care.

HelpGuide

Our mission is to provide empowering, evidence-based information that you can use to help yourself and your loved ones.

Books

Featured

Codependent No More

Mind Over Mood

Other Resources

Featured

How And When Do I Talk With My Kids About Alcohol And Drugs [Child Mind Institute]

Jul 11, 2024

Alcohol, Substance Use, Substance Abuse, Parenting

How And When Do I Talk With My Kids About Alcohol And Drugs [Child Mind Institute]

Jul 11, 2024

Alcohol, Substance Use, Substance Abuse, Parenting

The Child Mind Institute has created this exceptional video addressing how and when to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol. Parents are generally pretty clear that the conversation must be had, but we can easily push it off out of fear, or because we really don’t have a clear script in mind and don’t know what to expect. Oftentimes, our parents did not have this conversation with us, and we have no role models in how to proceed. This video not only gives terrific talking points, but acknowledges how difficult it can be, and provides strategies for keeping the lines of communication open.
Some highlights from the (7 minute) video are:

Jul 11, 2024

Alcohol, Substance Use, Substance Abuse, Parenting

Vaping Nicotine & TCH: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Feb 23, 2023

Opioids, Vaping, Marijuana

Vaping Nicotine & TCH: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Feb 23, 2023

Opioids, Vaping, Marijuana

Vaping is still a concern as our teens report vaping substances in significant numbers.

Feb 23, 2023

Opioids, Vaping, Marijuana

The Summit Wellness Group's Top 61 BIPOC Addiction and Mental Health Resources

May 5, 2021

BIPOC, Substance Abuse, Adolescents, LGBTQIA+

The Summit Wellness Group's Top 61 BIPOC Addiction and Mental Health Resources

May 5, 2021

BIPOC, Substance Abuse, Adolescents, LGBTQIA+

Written by women of color, this guide lists mental health resources created specifically for BIPOC individuals.

May 5, 2021

BIPOC, Substance Abuse, Adolescents, LGBTQIA+

Oct 15, 2020

Eating Disorders, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Substance Abuse, Children, Adolescents, Trauma, Self Harm - Suicide, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+

MHA: Mental Health Screenings

Oct 15, 2020

Eating Disorders, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Substance Abuse, Children, Adolescents, Trauma, Self Harm - Suicide, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+

Online screenings for a variety of mental health conditions.

Oct 15, 2020

Eating Disorders, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Substance Abuse, Children, Adolescents, Trauma, Self Harm - Suicide, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+

Parents' Guide to Substance Use + Mental Health

Aug 7, 2020

Alcohol, Marijuana, Vaping, Opioids, Co-Occurring Disorders, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Self Harm - Suicide

Parents' Guide to Substance Use + Mental Health

Aug 7, 2020

Alcohol, Marijuana, Vaping, Opioids, Co-Occurring Disorders, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Self Harm - Suicide

Provides information on common mental health disorders in adolescence, tips on identifying substance misuse, and steps to making informed decisions about evaluation and treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Aug 7, 2020

Alcohol, Marijuana, Vaping, Opioids, Co-Occurring Disorders, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Self Harm - Suicide