Vaping | Beach Cities Health District

For Youth: Tips to Quit Vaping

Quitting vaping can be easier when you prepare in advance and have a plan. Find out what steps you can take to get ready to quit vaping from Smokefree Teens.
In the wake of the U.S. Surgeon General declaring a youth e-cigarette epidemic, Truth Initiative® has expanded its quit-smoking resources to include a first-of-its kind e-cigarette quit program.
E-cigarettes are not currently approved by the FDA as a cessation aid for adults or youth.
Nicotine patches are the only FDA-approved method for youth nicotine addiction treatment.
If you are a teen or young adult who is trying to quit nicotine, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or call a help line:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has resources available to help you quit smoking: call the quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW), use the quitSTART app, sign up for free texts and find social support.

Know the Facts

In Los Angeles County, 1 in 10 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Use increases nationally, with 1 in 5 high school students reporting e-cigarette use.

But here in the Beach Cities, youth use is even higher than the national rate.

1 in 4 11th graders reported using electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or other vaping devices in the past 30 days
4 in 5 11th graders reported it is fairly easy or very easy to obtain e-cigarettes or vaping devices

The Dangers of Vaping

As of February 18, 2020, 2,807 cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products have been reported to the CDC. Sixty-eight deaths have been confirmed in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Individuals less than 18 years of age accounted for 15% of these cases.

Vapes contain:

Nicotine, the highly addictive drug found in cigarettes
Flavoring like diacetyl, a chemical that has been linked to serious lung disease
Cancer-causing chemicals and other harmful substances

Parents, you’re the most important influence in your child’s life. Talk to them about the dangers of vaping today.

Tips to Talk About It

Always keep conversations open and honest
Come from a place of love, even when you’re having a tough conversation
Provide positive reinforcement
It’s never too early – or too late – to start the conversation
Parents, find tips to have the conversation

Offer Help

Find cessation resources here.
Find mental health and substance use resources and referrals here.

Recent News

01/29/2020: California school districts sue major e-cigarette maker, alleging it is harming students and schools (The Washington Post)
01/02/2020: FDA announces policy enforcement priorities for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (FDA)
10/14/2019: Beach Cities Health District Vaping Town Hall (KABC)
10/05/2019: Tobacco sales will be banned citywide (Easy Reader)
10/03/2019: City Prepares Ordinance To Ban Sales Of Vaping Products (Dig MB)
10/02/2019: Manhattan Beach will ban vape products but that's not all - a total tobacco ban is also on the way (The Beach Reporter)
10/02/2019: Beach Cities Health District Warns Against Vaping (Patch)
10/02/2019: Beach Cities Health District, Medical Community, Public Agencies Agree: People Should Refrain From Vaping (BCHD)
10/02/2019: Manhattan Beach will ban vape products but that's not all - a total tobacco ban is also on the way (The Beach Reporter)
09/07/2019: Redondo bans flavored tobacco, public smoking (Easy Reader)

Upcoming Events

Families Connected Parent Chat
Families Connected Parent Chat is held every Tuesday starting on September 14th and is a free support group led by a licensed professional from the Thelma McMillen Center at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. This free support group is open to all parents. No registration necessary.
Every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. virtually
Past Events:

The Families Connected Speaker Series is presented in partnership with Beach Cities Health District, South Bay Families Connected, Hermosa Beach City School District, Manhattan Beach Unified School District and Redondo Beach Unified School District. On behalf of all of our partners, Beach Cities Health District thanks Sarah Grippa for her informative presentation. For more information on vaping, please visit www.bchd.org/vaping. For parenting resources, please visit www.southbayfamiliesconnected.org.

Thursday, March 12, 2020
6:30-8 p.m.
VIDEO PRESENTATION AVAILABLE AT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QduL730KznQ&list=PLBJD64KWm7XBs_YCm-NRKzUTUBsxxYm-B&index=2&t=0s