“Black Lungs,” “MyLifeMyQuit,” “Catch My Breath,” and “Vaping Epidemic” are just some of the drug and alcohol prevention programs and presentations given to local youth by the Lincoln Community Coalition of Nevada (LCC) in cooperation with the NyE Communities Coalition (NyECC).
Vaping products contain nicotine, a harmful addictive chemical that causes mental and developmental changes, increasing the risk of mood disorders, permanent lowering of impulse control, and nicotine addiction. Vape products also contain cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals such as tin, nickel, and lead that pose serious health risks, especially to young developing minds. Young individuals are at risk for long-term effects after extended exposure to nicotine, with individuals under the age of 25 being uniquely at risk.
Based on the 2021 Nevada Youth Risk Survey, 36.1% of Nye and Lincoln County high school students reported using electronic vapes. 20.1% reported using electronic vapes within the last 30 days, and a whopping 17% of middle school students reported using electronic vapes, with 6.5% using within the last 30 days.
Christina Floyd with NyECC, is determined to decrease the number of young individuals participating in vape products.
“Nicotine is said to be more addictive than some of the harder drugs because it gets to the brain so quickly and changes the brain’s receptors,” Floyd shared. This adds to the urgency to take preventative measures.
Staff members with LCC and NyECC are actively providing resources and presentations to the youth, teaching the effects of drug use, and the lasting implications drugs have. The Coalitions have been successful in providing these presentations and NyECC was awarded a grant for vape detectors in local schools. To learn about prevention programs available in Lincoln County, contact the Lincoln Community Coalition of Nevada.