There are many known health risks to using tobacco and nicotine products as well as the potential unknown risks with e-cigarettes and vaping products. Many students are searching for strategies to mitigate risk and to quit entirely.
Health Risks
Smoking can lead to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke and has been linked to the development of other cancers. Nicotine is also addictive. Learn more about the health risks
here
Intervention and Support
BASICS is provided to any student on an individual basis, and sometimes BASICS is mandated for students who have violated the alcohol and/or drug policies of Code of Student Responsibility. BASICS is also offered to students who may benefit from learning more about their use/misuse. BASICS is an effective, holistic, and evidence-based intervention for helping students reduce risky behaviors and typically involves two one-hour individual sessions. In the sessions, students will learn helpful information related to safety around alcohol and other drugs in the body, drug interaction risks, and harm reduction strategies. While BASICS was originally created to focus on alcohol, HPW offers BASICS in a holistic way to address any and all substance use.
Resources
As smoking and vaping are highly addictive, quitting can be tough. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms may include: irritability, attention difficulty, sleep disruptions, appetite disruptions, and strong cravings.
For those wanting to learn more, cut down, or quit, try: