Nicotine & Vaping
What addictive substance is found in many vapes?
Nicotine.
Nicotine can cause dependence and affect the developing teen brain.
Nicotine is not addictive if you are a teenager
False
Teens can develop nicotine dependence
What organ does much of the work of breaking down alcohol?
The liver.
Alcohol also affects the brain and many other body systems
A friend offers you a vape. Name one way to say no.
"No thanks," "I'm good", or another clear refusal.
You do not need to explain or defend your choice.
Name one healthy activity that can help manage stress.
Exercise, music, talking with someone, art, sleep, or another healthy activity.
Healthy coping strategies can help without substance-related risks.
True or False: Vape aerosol is just harmless water vapor.
False
Aerosol can contain harmful chemicals, tiny particles, and sometimes heavy metals.
You can always tell if a vape contains nicotine by looking at it
False.
Packaging and product contents vary; appearance alone cannot reliably tell you
Name one way alcohol affects the brain
It impairs judgment, memory, coordination, reaction time, or decision-making
Alcohol can affect these functions even before someone realizes how impaired they are.
Your friends say, ' Everyone drinks at parties.' What should you remember?
Not everyone drinks, and you do not have to drink to fit in.
You can choose friends and activities that respect your boundaries.
Who is one trusted person you can talk to if you are worried about vaping or drinking?
A parents or caregiver, teacher, school counselor, nurse, coach, or another trusted adult.
Asking for help is strength.
Name two brain functions nicotine can affect in teenagers.
Attention, learning, mood, memory, or impulse control
The brain continues developing up to 25 years of age.
Alcohol can affect judgement before someone feels drunk
Impairment can begin before a person recognizes it
True or False: Coffee can sober up a person who has been drinking.
False.
Only time allows the body to metabolize alcohol. Coffee dose not reverse impairment
Name one way to leave a situation where friends are pressuring you to use substances.
Walk away, contact a trusted adult, call for a safe ride, or leave with a trusted friend.
Planning an exit ahead of time can help
What is one possible consequence of underage drinking besides a hangover?
Injury, impaired judgment, school problems, legal consequences, or alcohol poisoning.
Risks can affect health, relationships, safety, and future goals.
Why can a person feel irritable or anxious when they cannot vape?
They may be experiencing nicotine cravings or withdrawal.
Dependence can make it difficult to stop
Using a vape without nicotine means inhaling only clean air
False
Aerosol may still contain substances that irritate or harm the lungs.
What is alcohol poisoning, and why is it dangerous?
Potentially a life-threatening overdose of alcohol that can impair breathing, consciousness, and other vital functions.
Call 911 if alcohol poisoning is suspected.
A friend is vaping daily and says they cannot stop. What is a helpful response?
Listen without judging and encourage them to speak with a trusted adult, school nurse, or healthcare professional.
Support works better than shame.
Why can nicotine cravings make quitting vaping difficult?
Nicotine changes reward pathways in the brain and can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Support and a quit plan can help people stop.
Resources available
A vape tastes like fruit or candy. Does it mean it is safe?
No.
Flavored dose not make a product safe, and many flavored products contain nicotine
Mixing alcohol with some medications or other drugs can be dangerous
True.
Interactions can increase sedation, impair coordination, or cause serious complications
Why is drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short time especially dangerous?
Blood alcohol levels can rise quickly, increasing the risk of poisoning, injury, and loss of consciousness.
Your friend is unconscious after drinking and will not wake up. What do you do?
Call 911 immediately, stay with them, follow the dispatcher's instructions.
DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE, give them coffee, or assume they can sleep it off. Place them on their side if its safe to do so.
A teammate says vaping will help them perform better in sports. Name one reason that is a poor choice.
Vaping can expose the lungs to harmful substances, nicotine can cause dependence, and neither guarantees better performance.
Protecting breathing, recovery, and long-term health supports athletic goals.