Nicotine, which is found in vapes, cigarettes and pouches, is highly addictive. It can affect your concentration, mood, sleep, and overall brain function. Over time, it can create dependence, meaning your body starts to feel like it needs it just to function normally.
At parties, at home, in institutions of higher learning, on the roadside, and almost everywhere you go, you may notice people vaping, smoking cigarettes, using nicotine pouches, or using substances like weed (bhang/cannabis). Sometimes it is presented as something normal, harmless, or just part of growing up. But the truth is that these substances and habits can have serious effects on your health and wellbeing.
Weed, which can be used in different forms such as rolled joints, blunts, spliffs, and sometimes even in edibles like cookies, also affects the brain. It can impact memory, focus, motivation, and decision-making. In some people, it can also increase anxiety or trigger mental health challenges, especially when used frequently or at a young age.
Why young people try these substances
Most people do not start using these substances because they want to become addicted. It often begins quietly. Curiosity plays a big role, especially when something feels new or interesting. Peer pressure can also make it hard to say no, especially when friends are doing it. Some young people try substances as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions. Others do it to fit in or feel accepted. Social media and the environment around them can also make it seem normal or even attractive.
At some point, you might be offered something or find yourself in a situation where everyone else is trying it and you feel like you are the only one who is not.
For young people, the brain is still developing. This makes it more sensitive to substances like nicotine and cannabis, and more vulnerable to their effects on mood, memory, and decision-making.
The pressure is real, but so are your choices. It is okay to feel curious. It is okay to feel pressured. But you still have a choice in how you respond. Saying no does not make you weak or uncool. It simply shows that you are aware of what is right for you and that you can make decisions for yourself. You do not need to try everything to belong.
What you can do instead
If you ever feel pressured, give yourself a moment before responding instead of acting immediately. A simple and calm “No, I am okay” is enough. If the situation feels uncomfortable, you can change the topic, move away, or leave. It also helps to spend time with friends who respect your decisions and do not pressure you to do things you are not comfortable with. When dealing with stress or difficult emotions, finding healthier outlets like music, sports, art, walking, or journaling can make a real difference.
If you have already started using and want to stop, it is still possible to change. You are not stuck, and you do not have to figure it out alone. Reaching out for support from someone you trust can be an important first step.
Final thought
Your health, your mind, and your future are important. The choices you make today matter, but you are always allowed to make different choices moving forward.