Increased Teen Use of Vaping, Fake Drugs, and Alcohol: A Developing Health Problem

General
1

https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/results-annual-national-youth-tobacco-survey-nyts?utm_source=.com

Introduction

In recent years, there has emerged a worrying trend—use of vaping gear, synthetic drug, and alcohol by youth increasing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), over 22% of adolescents globally have used e-cigarettes at least once, and synthetic drug use among young people rose by 18% since 2020. These figures show a shift from smoke and boozing to stronger and more subtle versions.

Synthetic Drugs and Vaping – The Silent Menace

Vaping, which has been touted as a “healthier alternative” to smoking, subjects users to nicotine, heavy metals, and carcinogenic chemicals. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attribute teen vaping with lung inflammation, addiction, and compromised brain development. Analogous synthetic drugs like “Spice,” “K2,” and “bath salts” are designed to replicate the effects of marijuana and stimulants but with much more dire consequences—hallucinations, violence, and organ failure are typical results.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/who-estimates-least-15-million-teenagers-use-e-cigarettes-worldwide-2025-10-06/?utm_source=.com

Alcohol Use in Adolescents

Despite age restriction, alcohol remains the most used psychoactive substance among teenagers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) indicates that nearly 30% of high school seniors in 2025 had used alcohol in the past month. Early intoxication raises vulnerability to psychiatric illnesses, academic deterioration, and long-term dependency.

The Need for Preventive Education

Preventive education—school, family, and social media—is the key to inhibiting this tide. Well-designed awareness programs, frank discussion about peer pressure, and increased community involvement can help a long way in reducing experimentation and promoting healthier behavior.

Are schools doing enough to educate students about the real dangers of vaping and synthetic drugs?

MBH/AB

4 Likes
2

So glad to see that this is being brought up- the number of young adults who vape is surprisingly high; and many are under the wrong impression that it’s safer than cigarettes, and although it may be marginally safer (because it does not involve burnt tobacco exposure), it’s still extremely harmful.

3

This is a serious and growing concern :police_car_light:

Vaping, synthetic drugs, and alcohol are not just experimentation they harm brain development, mental health, and can lead to addiction.

In my view, schools alone aren’t doing enough. Effective prevention needs family support, community programs, social media awareness, and honest conversations to guide teens toward healthier choices.

4

Reading this, it’s striking how rapidly adolescent behavior is influenced by the digital landscape.

The shift from traditional substances to vaping and synthetic drugs isn’t just about curiosity it’s a reflection of peer influence, accessibility, and online normalization.

What stands out is the critical gap in preventive education: many schools focus on rules, not real understanding.

Addressing this requires a multi-layered approach family guidance, evidence-based awareness programs, and community engagement to truly equip teens to make informed choices and reduce long-term harm.

1 Like
5

This is a very scaring report. We should start educating children from young age itself. We should give knowledge about dire consequences of psychoactive substances from home and schools.

Most of the kids fall prey to this due to digital platforms. Frequent monitoring of digital use of children should be considered.

To get rid of stress, children and even adults should learn meditation, yoga etc. The same pleasure which we get from weeds can be had from mindfulness and meditation.

Thorough family support should also be there.

1 Like
6

Eventho Indian government has banned vapes the number of vapes users have skyrocketed in India. More and more teens and adults in their 20s are getting subjected to carcinogens and ending up in the hospital with EVALI awaiting lung transplantations. This is a growing concern for the society because we still don’t know the long-term effects of vapes.

1 Like
7

This is an important topic that deserves serious attention at the government level.

The government should take the initiative by providing an awareness programme at the school level and also by educating the public. The police department plays an important role in preventing such behaviours. Social media plays an important role in influencing teens. So, strict action should be taken against such social media influencers.

1 Like