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E-cigarette Basics
E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine, flavoring, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.
Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:
ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
volatile organic compounds
heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead
E-cigarettes and Youth Don't mix
E-cigarettes and Youth Don't mix
Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain.
E-cigarettes & Vaping What Teens Should Know click here for the whole flyer
Al-Anon/Alateen
Free 12-Step meeting to attend to learn to cope with someone else’s drinking (child, parent, spouse, etc.).
Call for Meeting Information: 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666)
Alcoholics Anonymous, Central Service Committee of Eastern Mass.
Support for individuals who have a drinking problem. If you are looking for the schedule of local meetings, visit the website.
or call 617-426-9444. 12 Channel Street, Suite 604, Boston, MA
Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline
Provides free and confidential information and referrals for alcohol and other drug abuse problems and related concerns. The Helpline is committed to linking consumers with comprehensive, accurate, and current information about treatment and prevention services throughout Massachusetts. Language interpreters are always available.
24 Hour Hotline: (800) 327-5050
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Learn the scientific facts about drugs and drug abuse and what you can do to prevent your children from starting to take drugs or progressing further into drug abuse.
Sameem Associates, Inc.
Offers outpatient addiction, treatment and consultation. Holds weekly groups, groups for court referred offenders, anger management groups, outpatient detox, and more.
If you have questions about if your child might have a problem with alcohol or other drugs:
Phone: (617) 964-1060
34 Lincoln Street, Newton, MA 02461
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline
Also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, SAMHS’s helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
What is drug addiction (substance use disorder)?
Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are also considered drugs. When you're addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
I hope all of this information is helpful. If you need to speak to someone at school, please feel free to call either me at the health office or reach out to the guidance staff. We would be happy to help you help your family!
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