On June 2, the California Senate decided to put a limit on where e-cigarettes can be used. The bill that passed basically bans the use of e-cigarettes in all places where regular smoking is prohibited. As more doubts come forward about the safety of e-cigarette usage, parents need to be weary when they find their teens smoking these new devices.

The danger of teens smoking e-cigarettes

Recently, a few surveys have come to the conclusion that teens smoking e-cigarettes has the possibility of helping them transition into a life of nicotine addiction. Any exposure to nicotine early on is harmful in the developmental process. Teens are more developmentally vulnerable during this time, which is why anything that disrupts development should be limited.

Nicotine exposure at a young age might cause lasting harm to brain development, promote addiction and lead to sustained tobacco use. — Dr.Tom Frieden, NPR

While most states have put into place laws blocking minors from buying e-cigarettes, 16 million minors still have the ability to buy e-cigarette products legally in the states that it remains legal. Even with the laws in place, teens are still gaining access to these products fairly easily. In a recent survey, it was found that the rate of teens smoking e-cigarettes has tripled from just 2013 to 2014.

Help is available

Not enough research exists on the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes. This is why it’s important to regulate the usage until deeper research and surveys are conducted. At times, teens need a more intensive intervention than parents have to offer to help them break their damaging habits.
At blueFire Wilderness Therapy, we help struggling teens gain control and develop healthy, life-long habits. Through comprehensive therapies and caring staff, your teen can overcome their obstacles at blueFire.
For more information about treatment for teens smoking, call us today at 844-413-1999.