The nicotine patch and nicotine gum can help
people quit smoking. But some teens use them just to get by
until they can light up again.
“When kids are in school and they don’t have
access to smoking or smoking [is] prohibited, and they still
get these nicotine cravings, I guess they’re hooked
… they usually resort to just bringing the gum in or
patch, and they can just get the nicotine they need,”
17-year-old Elliot Bernstein says.
“In school, like when they can’t smoke …
just get that buzz,” says Bettina To, 17.
In fact, according to a study conducted by the University
of Vermont, three quarters
of teen smokers said they would use nicotine products for
“reasons other than
trying to quit smoking.”
“So I would really recommend that if parents are purchasing
these products and trying to help their kids quit, they need
to be diligent about whether or not they’re actually
trying to quit,” says Letetia Daniels, a spokeswoman
for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Parents also need to know that kids get nicotine gum or patches
from their friends.
“So I think adults should take the responsibility of,
No. 1, knowing what their kids are putting in their bodies,
knowing how they got them, and then talking to them about
the dangers of it and telling them what they’re getting
themselves into,” Daniels says.
One danger of misusing these products is nicotine poisoning,
which can cause nausea, dizziness, abnormal blood pressure
and heartbeat. But needing to use patches or gum to get through
a class or part of a school day is also a sign that a teen
has a serious addiction.
“Then they’re headed to a life of destruction,”
Daniels says.
Even Bettina, who smokes regularly, says she’d never
use the patch or gum for a nicotine fix.
“I think it’s ridiculous that someone needs it
that much,” she says.
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