Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) (tobaccofreelancastercounty.org) encourages you to attend a free presentation, “Keeping Current: Youth Vaping and Mental Health,” hosted by School Community Intervention and Prevention (SCIP) to dive deeper into the effects of nicotine. Join them on February 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, 4600 Valley Rd. For more event details, please visit TobaccoFreeLancasterCounty.org/events.
At Tobacco Free Lancaster County, their mission is to promote health by eliminating use and exposure to tobacco and e-cigarettes. In our community, the prevalence of youth e-cigarette use, or ‘vaping,’ remains a significant concern, posing not only physical health risks but also threatens mental well-being.
Exposing the developing brain to nicotine can lead to addiction, mood disorders and impaired impulse control. Nicotine disrupts synapse formation, affecting the parts of the brain responsible for attention and learning. Furthermore, use of nicotine can prime the brain for addiction to other harmful substances in the future.
Contrary to popular belief, vaping doesn’t alleviate stress, anxiety or depression; it often exacerbates these symptoms. It is nicotine withdrawal that increases feelings of irritability, anxiety, stress and depression. Immediately after using nicotine, withdrawal begins again, creating a cycle of addiction and mental strain. Studies have shown that individuals who have quit tobacco report reduced levels of anxiety, stress and depression.
Funding provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
For more information about Tobacco Free Lancaster County, visit tobaccofreelancastercounty.org.