During a recent workshop in Dobson addressing youth tobacco use and vaping, a serious concern was raised: the possible connection between vaping and later development of substance use disorders. The session, attended by educators, prevention specialists, and community members, focused on emerging trends in youth behavior and how early exposure to nicotine through vaping could pave the way for more serious substance use down the road.
Charlotte Reeves, Administrative Services Manager for the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, shared striking data from a Columbia University School of Public Health study. The study involved more than 50,000 adolescents and revealed a strong correlation between vaping nicotine and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including binge drinking and cannabis use.
“Vaping nicotine is strongly linked with an increased likelihood of high levels of binge drinking and cannabis usage,” Reeves said, citing the study’s findings. She noted that the data reflects a growing concern among public health experts: that vaping is not an isolated habit but part of a larger pattern of risky substance use in teens and young adults.
According to Reeves, the ease of access to vape products and the perception that vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes have contributed to its popularity among youth. Flavored products, discreet designs, and targeted social media marketing make vaping especially appealing to teens. But this accessibility may be masking the dangers of nicotine addiction and the broader implications for adolescent health.
The Columbia University study is not the only research raising red flags. Additional studies have also found that teens who vape are significantly more likely to try other substances compared to their non-vaping peers. The concern, experts say, is not only about what adolescents are using today, but what patterns of behavior are being formed for the future.
“Nicotine alters brain chemistry, especially in young, developing brains,” Reeves explained. “This can increase vulnerability to other forms of substance use and make it harder for teens to make healthy choices later on.”
Local officials and educators attending the workshop emphasized the importance of prevention through education. Schools and parents alike were encouraged to start open conversations with teens about the real risks of vaping and to recognize that even seemingly minor habits can lead to more serious problems later.
The workshop highlighted the need for continued community involvement and proactive outreach. As vaping rates among teens remain a public health concern, understanding the link between early nicotine use and future substance misuse is a critical step in protecting youth from long-term harm.
