Underage drinking is a serious public health problem in the United States. Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth and can cause them enormous health and safety risks.
Either directly or indirectly, we all feel the effects of the aggressive behavior, property damage, injuries, violence, and deaths that can result from underage drinking. This is not simply a problem for some families—it is a nationwide concern.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has information about Alcohol's Effects on Health and Research-based information on drinking and its impact. Click on the link below to get the facts about underage drinking,
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Some youth are at an increased risk for behaviors that can lead to poor health outcomes, such as high-risk substance use.
Youth with substance use disorders experience higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, diminished overall health and well-being, and potential progression to addiction.
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The CDC addresses youth high-risk substance use including facts, risk factors for high-risk substance use, high-risk substance use prevention, and a list of resources.
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In the short term, using e-cigarettes may cause breathing difficulties and coughing. Many e-cigarettes contain known-carcinogens and inhaling cancer causing chemicals that increases the risk of cancers. In the longer term, e-cigarette use also increases the risk of heart disease.
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Vaping can be dangerous for kids because of the nicotine and chemicals in vape products, which can harm the body and brain.
Nicotine addiction
Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. Nicotine can cause kids to crave it more and more, leading to addiction and physical dependence.
Lung damage
Vape aerosols can contain chemicals linked to serious lung disease. Vaping can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Other health problems
Vaping can cause high heart rate and high blood pressure, blood vessel and heart problems, and male sexual health problems.
Mental health problems
Nicotine addiction can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, or make these feelings worse.
Increased risk of other drug use
Adolescents who use nicotine may be at increased risk for future addiction to other drugs.
Increased risk of smoking cigarettes
Youth who vape may also be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
Parents, educators, and health care providers can talk to youth about vaping and help them learn healthy coping skills.
UT Southwestern Medical Center/ Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
has a published a resource:
 Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach teachers, school staff, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. If mental health concerns are detected and addressed early, a student is more likely to avoid the onset and/or progression of mental illness.
* This Blended Course satisfies requirements for HB 3 and the mental health requirement of the District Vulnerability Assessment.
Register below for a training.
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