Vaping, smoking and the decision in the moment
Explain nicotine dependence and risks to a developing brain. Distinguish known vaping harms from uncertainties about long-term effects. Practise a refusal and safe exit before an offer, and identify ways to get support.
What a learner can do afterwards
- Explain how nicotine affects the reward system, why adolescents are vulnerable to dependence, and how withdrawal can affect concentration
- Distinguish established vaping risks from uncertainties about long-term effects
- Give a prepared refusal and safe exit for a specific offer, and explain how practice can help
1 · Read
Nicotine is addictive. It acts on the brain's reward system, which helps connect experiences with wanting to repeat them. Adolescents' brains are still developing and are vulnerable to nicotine dependence. Withdrawal can bring cravings and trouble concentrating. One use does not guarantee dependence, but trying nicotine can lead to repeated use.
Smoking increases risks of cancer, heart disease and lung disease. Vaping produces an aerosol, not harmless water vapour. Many vapes contain nicotine. Even nicotine-free aerosol can contain harmful substances. Some long-term effects are still being studied. Uncertainty does not mean safety, and vaping is not a safe choice for teens.
A friend offers a vape and says, 'Don't be boring.' That is pressure through teasing. Pressure can also be a dare, threat or unspoken expectation. An offer that leaves room for your choice is different. Notice situations linked to offers or urges, such as a particular group or feeling stressed. Use those details to plan support or another activity.
Choose a reply such as 'No thanks, I don't vape.' Practise with a supportive friend. Plan a safe place to go if pressure continues. You do not owe a debate, eye contact or perfect delivery. If threatened, leave and get help when you can. If you already smoke or vape and want to stop, ask a trusted adult or health professional for support. Dependence is a health issue, not a character flaw.
Nicotine can cause dependence. Vaping has known risks and remaining uncertainties. Practise a refusal, plan a safe exit and ask for support when needed.
Lesson, questions and flashcards written for this dataset.
These readings and flashcards were written for this dataset.
More to read
An offer or pressure?
Someone offers a vape. You decline, and they accept your answer. That leaves room for your choice.
Pressure tries to override that choice. It might involve teasing, a dare or a threat. You may also feel expected to join in even when nobody says anything.
Recognising pressure helps you identify what is happening. It does not guarantee that the other person stops. You can repeat your refusal, change the subject, leave or seek support. If the situation feels threatening, focus on getting safe rather than explaining your decision.
Plan words and support
Before meeting friends, choose what you would say if someone offered a cigarette or vape. Say it aloud and change any words that do not fit you.
Plan what comes after the refusal too. Where could you go safely? Could a supportive friend leave with you? Is there a trusted adult you could contact?
You do not have to give every reason for declining. A shaky voice or lack of eye contact does not cancel your answer. If someone keeps pushing, you can use your exit plan. Their behaviour is their responsibility.
Getting help to stop
Nicotine dependence can make stopping difficult. Cravings, irritability and trouble concentrating can occur when someone stops using nicotine.
If you want to stop smoking or vaping, ask a health professional about support suitable for your age and situation. A trusted adult can help you find that support. Notice when urges occur so you can discuss ways to respond.
Needing help is not a character flaw. If you use nicotine again during an attempt to stop, you can still ask for support and continue working towards stopping. This reading does not give medication or dosage advice.
Support without guessing
A cough, changed schoolwork or smoke smell does not prove that someone smokes. These observations can have other explanations. Avoid accusing a friend or searching their belongings.
If you are worried, ask how they are doing and listen. If they say they smoke or vape and want help, encourage them to speak with a trusted adult or health professional. You could offer company while they ask.
You do not have to diagnose dependence or manage another person's health yourself. Support can begin with listening and helping them contact someone qualified.
2 · Watch
به انگلیسیTake it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Optional connections
This opens up
Nothing builds on it yet.
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.