Research shows that for teens ages 12-17, all substance use is related.

This means teens that have used any one substance -- alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine -- in the last month are more likely to have used the other two, and other illicit drugs, compared to their peers that have not used any substances. In other words, when you hear “it’s just a little weed” or “it’s just a little bit of beer” you should be concerned. This pattern holds true for alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine.

The left half of the slide show is people who DID NOT use cigarettes in the past month. Among youth who DID NOT use cigarettes in the past month:

• 9.5% used alcohol

• 4.4% engaged in binge drinking

• 0.6% engaged in heavy alcohol use

• 5.3% used marijuana

• 2.7% used other illicit drugs

The right half of the slide is students who DID use cigarettes in the past month. By comparison, among youth who DID use cigarettes in the past month:

• 39.7% used alcohol

• 26.7% engaged in binge drinking

• 5.8% engaged in heavy drinking

• 36.8% used marijuana

• 20.7% used other illicit drugs

E-CIGARETTES / VAPING

Educate yourself on e-cigarettes and devices for vaping nicotine, flavorings and THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. From the Office of the US Surgeon General:

E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.

• Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:

• ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

• flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease

• volatile organic compounds

• heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead

Reduce Young People’s Exposure to E-cigarettes:

• Don't let anyone use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products around young people. Not only are they watching the behaviors of others as an example, but they’re also at risk of exposure to nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful to their health.

• Avoid restaurants and other locations that allow use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

• Check with your school administration to ensure your child's school, college, or university is completely tobacco-free, including being free of e-cigarettes.

• Make your home and vehicles tobacco-free by prohibiting use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, by family members, friends, and guests. This is an important step to fully protect your children from exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke or secondhand aerosol from e-cigarettes.

• Be an example to youth by living tobacco-free. Even if you're quitting tobacco, share the reasons why you want to be tobacco-free and ask for support in your journey.