Nicotine addiction is rising in young adults due to new products on the market, social pressures and misconceptions about the substance.
Susie Manjarrez is a 30-year nurse practitioner at Jackson Memorial and teaches nursing at Florida International University.
“Nicotine is addictive,” said Manjarrez. “In a way, it’s perceived to be less harmful than cigarettes, therefore younger people seem to vape more because they think it’s safer. But, in reality, it’s not. It’s actually much worse for you.”
Vaping products deliver higher nicotine levels than traditional cigarettes. With studies showing how quickly dependence on the drug develops, more illnesses related to vaping are being reported.
Free, effective resources for quitting nicotine and text support programs are available nationwide, and many are designed specifically for teens and young adults.
