The Hidden Reality of Vaping and THC Use

It is honestly wild to think about how normal vaping has become over the years. What started as something people viewed as “better” than smoking quickly turned into a trend that seemed to be everywhere, especially on college campuses and social media. Vaping and THC awareness have, over time, become extremely popular. I was even wrapped up in the craze during my college days. Almost immediately, vaping made me feel sick. At the same time, there were media stories about vape pens exploding. That alone scared me enough to stop before it became a habit. Looking back now, I am grateful I listened to my body instead of ignoring the warning signs just because everyone around me made it seem normal.

In my professional life as a dispatcher in the past, I received anonymous reports involving middle and high school students vaping at school. Students as young as 12 years old made me realize how early nicotine use and vaping can begin. It was alarming to think that students were being exposed to products that could impact their developing brains and overall health. Now,  as a parent, those calls made me fearful of the health and well-being of youth and reinforced the importance of prevention and education.

Companies target youth by marketing attractive flavors, colorful packaging, and social media trends. I think the flavors are a big reason vaping appeals to youth. Back when I first tried it, I honestly do not remember there being much discussion about age restrictions, and even if there were, vaping products seemed very accessible. They could be found at gas stations and other stores, making them easy to obtain. Even today, vaping remains popular among youth. Many youth are exposed to vaping through friends, social media, or even by taking devices from family members and passing them around. For me, vaping was not enjoyable at all. It gave me a headache, made me feel nauseous, and simply was not something I wanted to continue doing. Because of that, I stopped almost immediately.

Despite all of the concerns, there are tips for parents and caregivers to navigate these tough conversations.

• Keep communication open. One of the most important things adults can do is ensure their youth is comfortable talking to them.

• Being involved in your child's school and community. This can provide valuable insight into what is happening in your child’s life. 

• Welcome friends into your home. Having your child's social circle around your home will help you better understand the peers that influence them daily. 

It is important to have ongoing conversations about vaping and substance use instead of assuming, "My child would never do that." Sometimes parents are caught off guard because they never imagined their child would be exposed to these situations. While trust is important, routine check-ins can also be helpful. Simply asking questions such as, "What are your thoughts on vaping?" or "Have you seen anyone vaping at school?" can open the door to meaningful conversations. Listening without judgment and creating a safe space for honest communication can go a long way in helping youth make informed decisions (RiseUP Cooperative, 2024).

References:

RiseUP Cooperative. (2024, November 13). Tobacco and vaping education and awareness [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDgUfTBpl08

Kendra Shaw Crutcher, BA, MSW Candidate, earned her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology from Alabama A&M University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Capella University, where she integrates academic training with hands-on practicum experience at Lewis Mentoring. She is happily married and a devoted mother to two biological children and two bonus children. Family remains the foundation of her life and continues to inspire her dedication to service, leadership, and community impact.

Meredith Lewis, PhD, LICSW-S, has worked for more than 21 years with teens and families in therapeutic foster care, substance use, blended families, transitional teens to adults, and in the mental health outpatient setting. She is a mother of teenage sons, and her passion is to address symptoms of depression and anxiety.