




































Special Edition: Junior Clinical Research (2023), Vol. 3 No. S2 
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COMMENTARY 

The Effects of Nicotine Vaping on High 

Schoolers in South Texas 
 

Adhira Tippur1,2, Julia Martinez1,3, Ricardo Escobedo1,4, Esmeralda Guevara1,5, Daisy De Leon1,5, 

Frida Aguilar1,6, Brittney Grimaldo1,7, Kaeli Castillo1,7, Annasophia Castillo1,8 

 
1 3rdAnnual Junior Clinical Research Internship, South Texas Academy for Education & Training in Research, DHR Health  

   Institute for Research and Development 
2 Mathematics and Science Academy at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 
3 McAllen High School, McAllen, TX 
4 PSJA Collegiate School of Health Professions, San Juan, TX 
5 Edcouch-Elsa High School, Edcouch, TX 
6 Jubilee Brownsville, Brownsville, TX 
7 United South High School 
8 IDEA Pharr College Preparatory, Pharr, TX 

 

Received: August 3, 2023 

Accepted for publication: November 3, 2023 

Published: November 16, 2023

 
 
Introduction 

 
Ironically, vaping was created as an aid to 

help stop smoking, but it continues to give its users the 

same life threatening effects that cigarettes have.1 It 

seduces its victims with the thousands of different 

enticing flavors and a false perception that it won’t 

negatively affect your body. The new habit that vaping 

has become is far from harmless and is becoming a 

dangerous addiction.1 This epidemic is booming in the 

pediatric and youth population since they are being 

targeted as new consumers instead of what the device 

was originally intended for, smoking cessation. It has 

become so normalized that in a Monitoring the Future 

survey, it was shown that 40% of high school seniors 

had used it within the past year.2 The advancements in 

e-cigarettes retracted the progress that was made in 

decreasing nicotine in our youth population for the 

past 5 decades. Vaping has become 2 to 3 times more 

prevalent in adolescents compared to young adults.3 

This epidemic brings every user some sort of 

compromise to their health, and since they are starting 

younger, their addiction will last longer leaving their 

body weaker in the end.3 Vaping may seem like a 

harmless act but it can extremely affect your life. In 

the wake of this escalating crisis, it is crucial to 

recognize that every user, irrespective of age,  

 

confronts a compromise to their health. Despite recent 

federal efforts to mitigate youth exposure to e-

cigarettes, a pressing need remains for more stringent 

regulations governing the sale and marketing of these 

products. Coupled with the imperative development of 

robust educational, clinical, and public health 

interventions, this collective approach holds the 

potential to stem the burgeoning tide of what has 

become an unprecedented nicotine epidemic among 

our youth. While the act of vaping may outwardly 

appear benign, the profound impact it can exert on an 

individual's life should not be underestimated. In light 

of the mounting evidence, it becomes evident that the 

allure of vaping conceals a perilous reality. 

 

History 
 

Nicotine vapes were developed in the 1990’s 

when the first patents for e-cigarettes containing 

nicotine were filed by tobacco companies and 

inventors. In 2003, the first commercialized e-

cigarette hit the market; it was made by a 52 year old 

pharmacist, Hon Lik, sold primarily in China.4 In 

August of 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protections 

filed the first nicotine inhaler imports.4,5 Three years 

later, the Food and Drug Administration instructed the 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deny the entry 



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of electronic cigarette imports due to their drug-like 

nature.6 Recently popularized, the JUUL vape pen was 

created in 2015 with the goal of having more nicotine 

delivered to the user. With JUUL’s success, more and 

more companies have developed their own nicotine e-

cigarettes and have continuously marketed them 

towards younger ages. There are now 460+ different 

brands with 7700+ different flavors.7,8 Forward to 

2019, then U.S. President Donald Trump amended the 

legislation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 

Act that raised the federal minimum age of 18 to 21 in 

the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.9 

However, that did not stop vaping from getting more 

popular within the youth population. 

 

Prevalence  
 

The prevalence of e-cigarette utilization has 

notably surged among young adults, drawing attention 

to a pressing public health concern. Notably, between 

2019 and 2020, sales of e-cigarettes witnessed a 

dramatic upswing.10 Moreover, the period spanning 

2017 to 2019 witnessed a discernible escalation in 

cannabis-associated vaping, particularly marked 

among adolescents from low socioeconomic 

Hispanic/Latino backgrounds.11 This trend is 

underscored by a specific statistic: a significant 

increase in vaping rates among high school seniors, 

with 37.3% reporting usage within the past year, as 

compared to 27.8% in 2017.12 

 

The conspicuous escalation of e-cigarette 

usage within this demographic has reached a critical 

juncture, assuming the proportions of an epidemic. In 

fact, there has been a consequential surge in vaping-

induced lung injuries across the United States.13 

Tragically, this surge in usage has caused numerous 

fatalities, with a disproportionate number occurring 

among teenagers.14 These e-cigarette products, 

recognized for their elevated nicotine content, exercise 

a particularly strong allure over young adults10 

 

Evidently, certain regions, including Texas, 

Wisconsin, and Illinois, have registered alarmingly 

high mortality rates linked to vaping.15 Moreover, the 

ramifications extend beyond immediate fatalities, as 

vaping has been linked to an array of adverse health 

effects, most notably its association with lung cancer. 

Given that lung cancer stands as the foremost 

contributor to cancer-related mortalities, the 

imperative to curtail these figures becomes even more 

pronounced.16 Although tobacco smoke remains the 

leading etiological factor, the significant contribution 

of vaping to the prevalence of lung cancer cannot be 

undermined. 

Data by Races in Our Community 
 

In the state of Texas, a significant proportion 

of high school students, approximately 18.3%, are 

engaged in vaping nicotine. Notably, in South Texas, 

the odds of high school Hispanics and whites engaging 

in vaping are 2.5-3 times greater than those of any 

other ethnicity or age group.17 Over the past five years, 

the utilization of nicotine has experienced a rapid 

upsurge, particularly with the emergence of COVID-

19. This increase has been so substantial that the 

prevalence of nicotine use among students has 

escalated from 1.5% in 2011 to 20.3% in 2018.18 With 

the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Texas 

and subsequent quarantine measures, a considerable 

number of adolescents turned to vaping as a means of 

"escaping" the real world, resulting in a swift 

progression towards addiction. Shockingly, within the 

last month alone, around 14.1% of students, which 

equates to roughly 2 million individuals in South 

Texas, have reported using nicotine products.19 

Amongst teenagers, nicotine consumption has 

witnessed the most significant growth over the past 

five years. Moreover, approximately 43.4% of teens in 

South Texas are grappling with depression and/or 

anxiety, factors that could potentially contribute to 

their engagement with substances like nicotine.18 The 

escalating trend of vaping in teens is a cause for 

concern that requires prompt attention and 

intervention. 

 

 
Figure 1: Representation of teens using nicotine.19 

 

Types of Vape Pens 
 

The following are vape pens that contain nicotine, 

either salt-based nicotine or freebase nicotine.21 

 



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● All in One (AIO): This device comes with a 

built-in battery and refillable tank containing 

a substance named e-liquids. The idea behind 

how nicotine is contained in e-liquids in 

vapes is that it may exist in the form of 

scattered particles ranging in nicotine 

concentrations.23 

● Mods: Vape pens classified as mods are 

made for the user to be able to modify the 

levels of freebase nicotine that will be inhaled 

to reduce irritation from the usage.21  

○ Pod Mods: A common brand known 

as JUUL, is known to have the 

highest percentage of nicotine 

usage, 80.3% followed by cig-a-

likes with 51.4%.22 Marketing 

strategies for JUUL has been used to 

create the verb “juuling” instead of 

vaping. This branding makes it 

seem less dangerous and 

differentiates this pen from the 

others by containing prefilled pod 

cartridges.22 

○ Box mods: These are a more 

advanced type of vape, with more 

complex settings, giving more 

options on the nicotine 

concentrations that are consumed.22 

They also contain a bigger battery 

for longer hour duration, along with 

other settings that control 

temperature and wattage. 

● Cig-a-likes: These have a significant figure 

that resembles a typical cigar. However, 

since these devices are electronic, they are 

categorized as e-cigarettes. This type of pen 

usually comes pre-filled with its own nicotine 

containing e-liquid. 

● Pen-style Vape Pens: These devices are 

known to be the most “under the radar” vape 

pens, as they don’t look as suspicious as 

others. However, they still contain the same 

functions as other mods with bigger, newer 

models. 

 

JUUL and Pod Mods have a greater nicotine 

dependence and are the most used by youth.24 As a 

result of the variety of models available, it makes it 

easier for the high school population to carry them 

around without calling too much attention to 

themselves. 

 

 
Figure 2: Various types of vape pens.1 

 

General Effects of Nicotine Vaping 
 

The impact of nicotine vaping unfolds 

insidiously, often going unnoticed by users. Yet, its 

consequences can swiftly accelerate, yielding harm 

that may remain unrecognized. A comprehensive 

overview of the overarching facets of the various 

underlying causes is of paramount significance, for 

these latent triggers possess the potential to evolve into 

adverse effects in the human body. If the awareness is 

low on the effects of nicotine vaping, the greater the 

risk of experiencing the repercussions of vaping. 

Within this intricate web of effects, a cascade of 

physiological disruptions emerges, spanning 

respiratory impairments, cardiovascular anomalies, 

immune system deviations, and the insidious grip of 

addiction. Additionally, the pervasive influence of 

nicotine vaping casts a shadow over cognitive 

maturation, with repercussions palpably reverberating 

through brain development, impacting academic 

achievement, and ultimately yielding profound social 

consequences.25 To fully comprehend the intricate 

tapestry of repercussions borne from nicotine vaping, 

an exploration into each facet is imperative, 

uncovering a comprehensive panorama of the toll it 

exacts upon the individual and society as a whole. 

 

Respiratory System 
 

The integrity of our respiratory system is 

paramount to our existence. Unfortunately, the act of 

nicotine vaping poses a substantial risk to the well-

being of our lungs, potentially culminating in dire 

afflictions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary 

Disease (COPD) and lung cancer.26 The indispensable 

role of our lungs in the everyday act of breathing 

renders them vulnerable to the deleterious influence of 

nicotine vaping. Compelling research underscores the 



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deleterious impact of vaping on our respiratory health, 

manifesting in symptoms like dyspnea, persistent 

coughing, and debilitating chest pain.27 To illustrate, 

the act of coughing serves as a natural mechanism 

through which our lungs expel foreign substances, 

acting as a protective barrier against harm. However, 

this defense mechanism is compromised in the face of 

nicotine vaping, as the harmful effects disrupt the 

harmonious functioning of our respiratory system, 

thwarting its ability to safeguard our well-being. 

 

Cardiovascular System 
 

The intricate nature of the cardiovascular 

system, also referred to as the circulatory system, 

forms a fundamental pillar of the human anatomy, 

encompassing blood circulation, oxygen 

dissemination, nutrient conveyance, and an array of 

indispensable operations.28 In the context of nicotine 

vaping, the very underpinnings of this intricate 

network confront heightened vulnerability, potentially 

exposing it to adverse outcomes. A comprehensive 

investigation underscored the profound repercussions 

of nicotine, unveiling a cascade of deleterious effects. 

 

Evident among these are elevated systolic 

and diastolic blood pressure, acceleration in heart rate, 

and pronounced arterial rigidity, collectively exerting 

a constricting influence upon the optimal functioning 

of the cardiovascular ensemble.29 The intricate balance 

of homeostatic mechanisms within the circulatory 

system undergoes discernible alterations upon 

exposure to nicotine, characterized by inflammation 

and subatomic perturbations.30 The consequences 

underscore the imperative of safeguarding 

cardiovascular health in the face of nicotine-mediated 

perturbation. 

 

Immune System 
 

The immune system serves as a vital shield, 

safeguarding the human body against pathogens, 

diseases, and bacterial threats that could potentially 

induce illness. A deficiency in this protective 

mechanism increases susceptibility to germs and 

viruses, subsequently exacerbating health 

complications. Notably, the potency of the immune 

system wanes with age, rendering individuals more 

vulnerable to potential health risks.31 The perturbing 

reality emerges that nicotine vaping, replete with its 

toxic constituents, exerts a pernicious influence on the 

immune system. This unsettling nexus becomes 

particularly pronounced among adolescents who 

embrace nicotine vaping, a demographic vulnerable to 

the gradual erosion of their immune defenses.32 

Consequently, the burgeoning prevalence of teen 

nicotine vaping poses a substantive concern, as it 

threatens to undermine their immune resilience over 

time. 

 

Addiction 
 

When nicotine binds to specific receptors in 

the brain, it leads to the release of different chemicals, 

with dopamine being the most significant among 

them.33 This release of dopamine in the brain's ventral 

tegmental area and the shell of the nucleus accumbens 

is crucial in causing the rewarding effects of nicotine 

and other drugs.33 This includes feeling pleasure, 

which reinforces the desire to use them again. The 

reinforcement of pleasure associated with vaping 

quickly establishes a cycle of dependence.33 When 

humans experience nicotine withdrawal, their brain's 

reward system decreases. This occurs because of a 

lack of dopamine being released, which results in a 

reduced feeling of pleasure.34 Given these 

circumstances, quitting vaping becomes extremely 

difficult. According to a 2020 report, 5.47% of teens 

reported unsuccessful attempts to quit vaping.35 

Nicotine addiction can manifest differently from 

person to person. Some signs of nicotine addiction 

may include feeling anxious, experiencing strong 

cigarette cravings, or going out of your way to buy it.36 

After quitting nicotine use, individuals who are 

addicted may also encounter symptoms of nicotine 

withdrawal, such as feeling depressed or experiencing 

difficulty sleeping properly.36 

 

Brain Development  

 
Throughout the teenage years, the brain 

continues to grow, and nicotine use during this crucial 

time can have a variety of negative effects. Genetic 

studies have shown how nicotine plays a role in how 

we learn and develop dependence.33 Nicotinic 

acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are found in both 

central and peripheral nervous systems.36 When a 

molecule known as ligand attaches to these receptors, 

they function as tiny gates that open.36 The neuronal 

nAChR subunits are made up of α-2 to α-10 subunits 

and β-2 to β-4 subunits.37 Although these receptors 

bind to acetylcholine naturally, other molecules such 

as nicotine can stick to them.38 Notably, nicotine easily 

binds to α-4 and β-2 nAChRs, unlike other receptors.33 

As teens grow and their brains develop, nicotine 

exposure can impact the nAChR receptors in their 

brain, modify dopamine sensitivity, and alter brain 

circuits that influence learning, stress responses, and 

self-control.36 It may also result in outcomes that affect 

the brain's reward system, which involves the 



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prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, ventral 

tegmental area, hippocampus, and basolateral 

amygdala.39 This can involve addiction and 

dependence, as well as withdrawal symptoms when 

not consuming nicotine.36 These developing brains are 

at risk of lasting changes from perturbations that result 

in changes in behavior that continue into adulthood.39  

 

Academic Performance  
 

Vaping nicotine can have negative effects on 

teenagers, primarily because they are susceptible to 

influence. Many teens start vaping due to peer 

pressure, seeking acceptance and fitting into societal 

norms.40 With the availability of various flavors in 

vaping products, many teenagers tend to be attracted 

to them.40 While electronic cigarettes may provide 

pleasure through dopamine release, they can also 

negatively impact students' academic performance. 

Nicotine's interference with cognitive functions can 

make it difficult to focus and recall knowledge.36 As a 

result, teens can find it difficult to concentrate in class, 

which could affect their grades. Teenagers are also 

more likely to skip class or engage in academic 

dishonesty due to the effects of nicotine on the brain's 

prefrontal cortex, which regulates their thoughts and 

behaviors.39 Notably, vaping nicotine can cause 

respiratory issues that can prevent a student from 

attending lessons.36 The student will likely miss 

numerous school days due to the importance of 

attending multiple doctor's appointments to address 

this health concern. This situation could potentially 

lead to them being held back a year. With these 

problems also comes depression, which can cause the 

person to lose interest in and care less about school.36 

Nonetheless, vaping nicotine can result in restlessness, 

which would make the learner less alert and tired.36 

 

Social Consequence  
 

Among the various possible consequences a 

vaping teen could inflict, is pressuring their peers into 

pursuing the need to vape nicotine. When teens have 

their ‘first vape session’, they were likely pressured 

into having tried vaping by their friends.41 Seeing that 

a lot of teens vape this can affect groups of friends by 

dividing them between those who vape and those who 

don’t. From these now separated friend groups they 

enjoy playing a ‘cat and mouse’ game at school to see 

who doesn’t get caught vaping.40 As a teen starts to 

feel detached from their family, an outsider, they tend 

to look at vaping as a way to not feel their loneliness.42 

Nicotine gives its user various side effects; such as, 

mood swings, impaired impulse control, and increased 

anxiety, all of which cause the user to feel different 

leading them to withdraw from their family and 

friends.42 In romantic relationships, when one of them 

vapes and the other doesn’t it can lead to 

disagreements. In these situations it can lead to added 

stress and tension to a relationship that was possibly a 

happy one in the beginning. Vaping can have people 

start breaking down their trust, lying about vaping can 

lead to an added strain on a relationship coming from 

dishonesty. These different instances likely come 

about from the prevalence of people vaping in their 

social circle.40 

 

 
Figure 2: Effects of vaping on human health. 

Created with BioRender.com. 

 

Policies and Regulations 
 

Enforcing stringent regulations is imperative 

to effectively mitigate the proliferation and 

accessibility of vaping devices. The pervasive 

exposure of vaping advertisements to children and 

adolescents, often through easily accessible mediums 

such as social media, underscores a concerning 

trend.43 This demographic is particularly susceptible to 

environmental influences, rendering them more 

susceptible to the allure of these campaigns, even as 

purported alternatives to traditional cigarette 

smoking.44 

 

Notably, numerous vaping advertisements 

feature characters and themes that conspicuously cater 

to a younger audience, accentuating the need to 

acknowledge the strategic targeting of these ads.45 The 

strategic placement and marketing techniques 

employed hold significant sway over the purchasing 

decisions of teenagers, warranting heightened 

attention.46 

 

Several nations, including India since 2019, 

have taken a resolute stance by prohibiting the 

marketing and sales of vaping products.47 



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Furthermore, the efficacy of specific regulatory 

measures has been demonstrated in curbing vaping 

and tobacco consumption. Notably, the imposition of 

taxes on such products has effectively diminished their 

allure, thereby reducing demand.3 This insight 

substantiates the proposition of implementing 

additional taxes on vaping products across all states, 

serving to curtail their prevalence and concurrently 

channel funds into vital research aimed at preventing 

nicotine addiction among adolescents. 

 

A seminal study investigating the impact of 

the Truth Initiative campaign on vaping-related 

choices revealed a marked reduction in tobacco-

related beliefs and overall support for vaping, 

especially among African American youth followed 

by white and Hispanic counterparts.48 This campaign's 

resonance with the youth is an encouraging stride, 

though further research is imperative to gauge its 

lasting effectiveness. 

 

Conversely, disconcerting findings highlight 

a glaring lack of due diligence by companies in 

verifying the age of purchasers, with a staggering 95% 

of deliveries failing to implement any form of age 

verification.49 This laxity extends to online platforms, 

where minimal regulations allow unfettered access to 

vaping devices, often exploited by adolescents.50 Even 

establishments that impose age restrictions exhibit 

lapses in enforcement, contributing to the ease with 

which high school students acquire these harmful 

products, thereby exposing them prematurely to the 

perils of nicotine addiction. 

 

A potent recommendation to mitigate this 

crisis involves reducing the prevalence of websites 

neglecting age restrictions and enforcing punitive 

measures against those in contravention.3 This 

approach envisages a multi-pronged strategy, 

encompassing regulatory fines and penalties, to 

dissuade non-compliance and foster a safer 

environment for adolescents. By harmonizing 

stringent regulations, targeted interventions, and 

sustained research endeavors, a comprehensive 

framework can be established to safeguard the 

vulnerable youth from the detrimental consequences 

of vaping. 

 

 

Prevention of Nicotine Addiction  
 

Parents wield significant influence over their 

children's decisions throughout their developmental 

journey. Extensive research underscores that 

adolescents who experience consistent respect and 

unwavering support exhibit diminished propensities 

for substance abuse encompassing drugs, smoking, 

and alcohol when contrasted with their counterparts 

lacking such nurturing conditions.51 In pursuit of 

curtailing adolescent vaping, a contemporary concern, 

parental intervention strategies can be strategically 

employed. 

 

Exemplify Prudent Behavior 
 

Parents serve as pivotal role models in their 

children's lives, and by refraining from smoking, 

parents inherently diminish the allure of this behavior 

for their offspring. 

 

Foster Open Discourse  
 

Engaging in candid conversations with 

adolescents about the physiological risks associated 

with vaping and smoking is imperative. Sustaining 

such dialogue over time, while embracing your child's 

perspective, remains crucial even as they transition 

into later stages of adolescence. 

 

Prepare Youth against Peer Pressure 
 

Equipping your children with informed 

responses and actions to counter potential offers of 

vaping or cigarette usage from peers is vital, thereby 

empowering them to make sound decisions in 

challenging social situations. 

 

Incorporating these preventive measures 

within the parental sphere not only bolsters the 

prospects of deterring adolescent vaping but also 

establishes a foundation for comprehensive health-

oriented decision-making.52 

 

Nicotine Addiction Treatment 
 

In instances where nicotine addiction has 

taken hold and necessitates intervention, an array of 

treatments stands poised to address this challenge. 

These treatment modalities can be thoughtfully 

combined and are viable options for individuals under 

the age of 18, albeit requiring a health professional's 

prescription to commence.  

 

 

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)  
 

NRT emerges as a cornerstone, offering an 

enhanced likelihood of efficacious outcomes by 

combating smoking cravings. Within this domain, 

Nicotine Patches command a notable 50 to 60 percent 



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efficacy compared to alternative interventions.53 

Available in strengths of 7mg, 14mg, and 21mg, patch 

selection hinges upon current smoking habits.54. 

Typically worn for 24 hours on clean, hair-free skin, 

precise placement on the upper body aligns with 

manufacturer guidelines. Nicotine Gum, having a 15 

to 20 % effectiveness, holds promise for those who 

sustain its use for a year or beyond.55 This therapeutic 

option presents in 2mg and 4mg dosages, contingent 

upon the temporal patterns of habitual cigarette 

consumption.56 The Nicotine Lozenge surfaces as 

another viable recourse, progressively demonstrating 

its potential to amplify smoking cessation prospects.57 

Offered in standard and mini sizes (2mg and 4mg), 

dosage determination hinges on the quantum of daily 

nicotine intake.58  

 

Prescription Medications 
 

Further options encompass prescribed 

medications, necessitating the authorization of a 

medical practitioner.59 Notably, Bupropion, initially 

an antidepressant, has evolved to counter nicotine 

cravings with positive results.60 It is paramount to 

reiterate that all intervention avenues should remain 

under the vigilant oversight of a medical expert, 

affording both safety and optimal chances of success. 

This comprehensive approach underscores the 

commitment to comprehensively combatting nicotine 

addiction and fostering enduring well-being. 

 

Conclusion 

 
A proliferation of vaping among high school 

students has culminated in an alarming epidemic, 

characterized by staggering numbers that underscore 

its gravity. This phenomenon, however ironic, reveals 

a disheartening truth: vaping, initially designed to 

curtail smoking addictions, now surpasses traditional 

smoking in its adverse impact on the human body. The 

proliferation of vaping among high school students has 

culminated in an alarming epidemic, characterized by 

staggering numbers that underscore its gravity. An 

unfortunate consequence of this burgeoning crisis is 

the surge in injuries and fatalities among high school 

users. An intricate interplay of cardiovascular, 

respiratory, and cognitive effects contributes to the 

escalating toll inflicted by vaping. High school 

students under the age of 21 should not be able to 

acquire vapes due to the federal law. Despite federal 

legislation stipulating an age requirement of 21 for 

vape purchases, the prevalence of access within high 

schools remains a disconcerting norm, facilitated by 

clandestine transactions among students during and 

after school hours. This trade is exacerbated by the 

camouflage of vaping devices as everyday objects, 

further evading detection by vigilant educators. A 

staggering statistic emerges from Texas, where an 

accelerating 18.3% of high school students have 

embraced vaping. This surge is partially attributed to 

advertising strategies that conspicuously target 

impressionable teenagers, compelling them to partake 

in this perilous practice. Even with age restrictions in 

place, certain vape vendors prioritize profit over 

ethical considerations, willingly selling to underage 

clientele. Mitigating this crisis necessitates a multi-

faceted approach. Education emerges as a powerful 

tool, empowering children with knowledge to make 

informed decisions. Prescribed medications, nicotine 

gum, and patches offer potential avenues for 

treatment. The collective effort to disseminate 

awareness, alongside these prevention and treatment 

measures, kindles hope for a future where the tide of 

vaping recedes, inching us closer to its eventual 

eradication. Looking into the future, armed with an 

arsenal of interventions, heightened awareness, and 

collaborative endeavors, the prospect of diminishing 

these disconcerting statistics comes into view, 

fostering the aspiration of ultimately vanquishing 

vaping's grip on our youth. 

 

Acknowledgements 

 
Monica Betancourt-Garcia, MD, Program Director; 

Melissa Eddy, MS, Program Manager  

 

Funding 

 
Funded by DHR Health Institute for Research & 

Development; DHR Health; Region One ESC 

GEARUP College Ready, Career Set!; Region One 

ESC GEARUP College Now, Career Connected; 

Region One ESC PATHS; Region One ESC Upward   

Bound Math & Science; Benavides ISD; and Jubilee 

Academy-Brownsville 

 

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