Across the country dangerous chemicals are seeping their ways into our middle schools. You may hear the terms vapes, vape pens, and/or JUULs as you get older; these devices are e-cigarettes and they are dangerous and very unhealthy. JUULs are devices shaped like a zip/jump drive. They are easy to hide and are used to smoke flavored liquids that contain harmful chemicals like nicotine. They can also be used to smoke marijuana and other drugs. More teens than adults currently use these devices. People often believe they are more safe than cigarettes, but new evidence is showing that E-Cigs can be just as detrimental to the smoker's health as cigarettes. Vaping in middle school is a high predictor of future marijuana and other drug use.

When inhaled, diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans - more commonly referred to as "popcorn lung" - a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways. ... Even though we know that diacetyl causes popcorn lung, this chemical is found in many e-cigarette flavors.

Over 27% of high school students have used e-cigarettes in the last month, and it’s likely their parents don’t even know. Vaping is easy to hide. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t leave the telltale scent of tobacco. But there are clues.

Look for changes in your kid’s behavior. They might start cutting back on caffeine or getting frequent nosebleeds. Also look for signs around the house. Vape pens can look like markers or USB flash drives and have disposable flavor pods, so look for discarded pods in the trash. And since vape pods come in lots of flavors, take note of any new sweet scents in their rooms or on their clothes.

about your child or someone in your family, please come to us for help. We can connect you with resources to support drug and alcohol abuse recovery.