From classic films and modern television to comic books and video games, cigarettes have served as the ever-present accessory for a multitude of characters. (In certain cases, some heroes have been known for their extensive smoking habits.) Needless to say, as hard as you may try, you cannot prevent your kids (young and grown) from being exposed to these little “death sticks” and any other tobacco products. For centuries, smoking has been a part of U.S. culture. In fact, in 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that 16% of high school students and 5.3% of middle school students were abusing e-cigarettes, which can induce nicotine addiction and additional health problems down the road. Despite this overwhelming scare, however, you (as a parent) can still take steps to prevent your teens from using this substance. Let’s take a closer look and find out more information.
Be a Good Role Model
As a parent, you are pretty much required to be a good role model for your kids from the moment they are born. With your guidance, they will become intelligent, refined, and strong human beings. However, with improper guidance, they can wander down paths you don’t want to imagine. The same can be said for drug awareness.
In this scenario, try to emphasize how you don’t like cigarettes or, if you did smoke, explain what you had to endure to get to this healthy point in your life. Furthermore, could elaborate on the fact that 41% of children (3 to 11 years old) are exposed to deadly clouds of secondhand smoke (a nasty byproduct of cigarettes chemicals) and how your teens will be hurting people around them more than themselves.
Bring up the E-Cigarettes
Given the fact that e-cigarettes are (unfortunately) trending among teens, you will definitely want to bring these up in a conversation. After all, your child’s friends may be using them. Explain how e-cigs contain trace amounts of nicotine and can still induce addiction, despite what peers may say. Also, introduce them to the string of toxins in these cartridges and pens, including formaldehyde and a buttery substance that induces popcorn lung. Tough lough and fear factors can sometimes work, but do not allow the conversation to become overwhelming.
Seeking Treatment for Nicotine Addiction and Tobacco Use
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
