InDepth

IN-DEPTH “Breathe a better life”

SYEDA RIZVI

Tackling youth nicotine addiction in the school and in the social sphere

By Hannah Zalewski, Farrah Fasse, Grace Cueter & Emma Sanderson MANAGING EDITOR, PAGE EDITOR & INTERNS

One in four high school students have been reported as recently using a vape, according to www.npr.org. Statistically, that means 313 members of our student body could be at risk of developing a vaping-related illness. Principal Kate Murray believes that the education students are receiving about the dangers of vaping is not enough to stop it from happening.

“The scientific community and the educational community are both still learning daily more about the dangerous effects of vaping,” Murray said.

“We are still in the learning process, and even if we had all of that information, I’m not sure that would be enough to stop students from trying.”

Along with this, she still feels that ongoing education about the dangers of vaping is necessary during health class, parent meetings, class meetings and whenever else the information can be spread. According to www.medlineplus.com, within 2-3 hours of quitting smoking or vaping completely, withdrawal symptoms would begin to appear such as: anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, nightmares, feeling tense, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Counseling Department Chair Jennifer Sherman said that while vaping is a dangerous and unhealthy habit, students should not feel like they need to address it alone.

“Addiction is one of those issues that is too big for you to help your friend on your own,” Sherman said. “Your friend needs professional help from an expert. I would encourage you to help your friend reach out to an adult who can help.”

Murray said that she hopes any student struggling with nicotine addiction knows that they can reach out to school counselors, teachers or administration for guidance. She asserts that those seeking help without being caught with e-cigarette paraphernalia would not be suspended or have police notified. However, because vaping is illegal for students, administration is required to notify the student’s parents.

IN-DEPTH

AMELIA NOWICKI

“If a student came to us preemptively, and said ‘I A study from the New England Journal of Medicine need help,’ we would connect them with the resources tested 51 patients with vaping injuries, and a chemical that they need…their counselor, and with the cessation compound called Vitamin E acetate found in THC program,” Murray said. vapes was located in the lungs of 94 percent of patients

Cessation programs are among the many resources with injuries, while no one in the control group had available to students struggling with a nicotine the chemical in their lungs. addiction. To assure that the process is successful Vitamin E is safe to use topically, however, long term, they are run by mental health experts that according to the Center for Disease Control, the specialize in addiction. chemical is often added to vaping cartridges to

The specific cessation program that the school thicken them, and its texture can cause it to stick promotes and connects students to is called “My Life, in the lungs. The substance has been attributed as My Quit.” This program the cause for most of the I wanted to go into the military... but obviously, I can’t “ connects anyone trying to quit with a professional addiction coach that will listen and be a guide through the process of nicotine withdrawal. vaping injuries, but it doesn’t imply that e-cigarettes with nicotine, such as Juuls are safe. They are still known to contain toxic substances such as formaldehyde, heavy

Junior Daniel Ament metals and diacetyl, which was the first recipient of a go into the military with a is linked to a disease called double lung transplant due “popcorn lung.” to an e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury. While recovering in the hospital, Ament was urged by many to use his traumatic experience to transplant. I had to completely change all my direction in life for no reason. “ Ament urges any student who is vaping or contemplating whether to vape in the future to consider the consequences. “Think about any sports educate students on the Daniel Ament you’re doing, think about any harmful effects of vaping and JUNIOR aspirations you have in the substance abuse, inspiring future. I wanted to go into him to start his nonprofit the military... but obviously, “Fight 4 Wellness.” I can’t go into the military with a transplant,” Ament

“Well, I was just in the hospital and I was said. “I had to completely change all my direction encouraged a lot by the doctors, and people that were in life for really no reason. It’s not worth that visiting and…made sure I could spread awareness,” temporary buzz or high you’re getting from THC Ament said. “Then I kind of just came up with the and nicotine that’s literally poisoning your body.” idea because I’ve always wanted to start a business.”

Fight4Wellness

Nonprofit created by junior Daniel Ament to teach the dangers of vaping.

Truth - #FinishIT

Media campaign meant to educate and give stastics regarding teenage substance abuse.

My Life, My Quit