Module 2:
Drugs and Brain Development
Now that you understand how the brain functions, how the teen brain is different, and what mental health really means, we need to discuss the impact of drugs like nicotine and THC on the developing brain. Sometimes, young people deal with stress or tough emotions by turning to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs. There is a common myth about vaping that some teens believe, which is that vaping helps relieve stress and anxiety, but the scary truth is that it makes these feelings worse.
In this module, we will discuss the difference between nicotine and THC, nicotine salts, and how vapes are dangerous for the brain causing dependency and addiction.
Nicotine vs. THC
Most vape devices contain nicotine but there are several devices that also contain THC. Let’s briefly break down the difference between these two drugs and how they can affect the body.
Nicotine is the addictive chemical found in the tobacco plant. It is also found in all commercialized tobacco products like cigarettes, tobacco pouches, and most vapes. Whether ingested or inhaled, nicotine is absorbed into the body’s blood stream increasing blood pressure, breathing, and the body’s heart rate. Nicotine can make a user feel more alert at first, but over time, it’s bad for brain development. Once someone starts using nicotine, it can be hard to stop. Some can become addicted after the first use.
THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical in marijuana that makes people feel "high." Today, THC is commonly found in edibles and vapes. It changes how the brain works, altering senses, mood, and coordination. THC slows things down, making it harder to think clearly and react quickly. It can also affect memory, decision-making, and sometimes, cause hallucinations. THC can lower motivation, impact the ability to learn, and cause mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Both nicotine and THC are addictive and interfere with the teen brain’s development, memory, and emotions. Nicotine can affect a person’s physical health, while THC affects how someone thinks, feels, and interacts with the world. Neither is safe, and both can have lasting effects on teens’ health and development.
E-Juice
E-juice is the liquid found in all generations of vapes. Some devices contain nicotine, THC, or both drugs. As vaping trends evolved, so did the amount of liquid found inside vape devices. This means, over the years, we’ve seen devices contain larger amounts of nicotine and THC.
Nicotine Salts
Another dangerous ingredient found in nicotine vapes is nicotine salts or “nic salts.” While some vape labels do not list this information, others falsely claim to contain 0% nicotine even though they still have it. The introduction of nicotine salts began with JUUL and is now found in thousands of other brands like Elf Bar, Breeze, Mr. Fog, and Vuse.
The issue with nicotine salts is that they mask the harshness of nicotine by combining it with different acids, like benzoic acid. This allows users to inhale larger amounts of nicotine without discomfort, making it more tolerable and addictive. Especially, for those who are vaping socially.
Dependency and Addiction
Both nicotine and THC can cause dependency, which means the body becomes used to these substances and starts needing them to feel normal.
This dependency can quickly lead to addiction, where a person’s thoughts and actions are centered around the drug. Addiction can impact key areas of life, like school performance, friendships, and overall health. It can look like spending less time on hobbies or with friends and focusing more on the next hit. Over time, this can make quitting difficult, especially if there isn’t any support or help from trusted adults and friends.
To learn more about the difference between dependency and addiction and what addiction can look like, watch the video below with teen mental health therapist, Leanne Foell.
If you or a friend are struggling with a vaping addiction, there’s free help. Text VAPEFREETX to 88709 for 24/7 support.
Sources for module 2 include: National Institute on Drug Abuse, Neuroscience Research on Cannabis & Adolescents (National Library of Medicine), and Truth Initiative.
Say What! EST. 2011
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Phone
512.245.8082
Mailing Address
Texas School Safety Center
ATTN: Say What Program
Texas State University
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Say What! was created and designed by young people from across Texas and connects students interested in eliminating tobacco from their schools and communities. The Say What! movement is funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services through a contract with the
Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University.