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    Huberman Lab

    Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher: Vaping, Alcohol Use & Other Risky Youth Behaviors

    Mon Apr 22 2024
    adolescentsteensyoung adultsrisky behaviorsnicotine usecannabis userisky driving behavioralcohol consumptionrisky sexual behaviorpeer pressuresocial mediae-cigarette usagehealth risksaddictionprevention strategieseducation strategiestreatment optionssubstance use

    Description

    The episode discusses risky behaviors among adolescents, teens, and young adults, including nicotine use, cannabis use, risky driving behavior, alcohol consumption, and risky sexual behavior. Factors impacting youth participation in risky behaviors are explored, such as family dynamics, peer influence, and social media. The podcast highlights the latest research on risk-taking behavior in young individuals and strategies to mitigate potential harms. It also addresses the health risks and addiction associated with e-cigarette usage among teens. The episode emphasizes the importance of comprehensive education, harm reduction strategies, and open conversations to empower teens in making healthier decisions. The impact of social media, pornography, and substance use on teen development is also discussed. The episode concludes with insights on building trust with teens and providing resources for support and treatment.

    Insights

    Risky Behaviors Among Teens

    The podcast discusses risky behaviors among adolescents, teens, and young adults, including nicotine use, cannabis use, risky driving behavior, alcohol consumption, and risky sexual behavior.

    Impact of Peer Pressure

    Peer pressure plays a significant role in adolescence despite misconceptions that it diminishes during this stage.

    Marketing and Peer Influence

    Marketing combined with peer pressure is highlighted as a factor driving youth towards risky behaviors.

    Health Risks of E-cigarette Usage

    Teens are using e-cigarettes with high levels of nicotine and quickly becoming addicted. Many teens show signs of addiction to nicotine within a few weeks of starting to use e-cigarettes.

    Concerns about Social Media

    Smartphones and social media have increased risk behavior among teenagers due to easy access and viral spread of information. Concerns about social media include outside influences targeting young people, bullying, and impact on social and physical development.

    Prevention and Education Strategies

    Educational campaigns focusing on the addictive nature of nicotine and deceptive marketing strategies are effective in deterring teens from vaping. Messaging to teens should emphasize defiance against destructive behaviors and provide information on cannabis use, especially regarding THC levels and potential risks.

    Health Hazards of E-cigarette Usage

    Concerns about the health hazards of vaping include potential impacts on lung disease, cancer rates, brain development, cognitive function, and lung function. Nicotine in e-cigarettes can harm the developing brain and increase addiction risk in adolescents and young adults.

    Treatment for Nicotine Addiction in Teens

    Treatment options for nicotine addiction in teens are limited due to lack of research and FDA approval. Quitting smoking is difficult and often requires multiple attempts for both adults and teens.

    Supporting Teens in Quitting Substance Use

    There is a need to create replacement behaviors and a culture of quitting to help teens move away from vaping and substance use. Social supports and youth groups are playing a role in helping teens quit or avoid substance use.

    Building Trust and Empowering Teens

    Building trust with teens through open conversations is essential for guiding them in making healthier choices. Highlighting the exceptional qualities of teenagers, such as creativity and passion, can lead to positive outcomes.

    Chapters

    1. Risky Behaviors Among Adolescents, Teens, and Young Adults
    2. Adolescence and Peer Pressure
    3. Impact of Smartphones and Social Media on Teenagers
    4. E-cigarette Usage Among Teens
    5. Marketing Strategies and Impacts of E-cigarettes on Teens
    6. Health Risks and Addiction of E-cigarette Usage Among Teens
    7. Health Hazards and Concerns of E-cigarette Usage Among Teens
    8. Effects of Nicotine and Cannabis E-cigarettes on Teens
    9. Prevention and Education Strategies for Teens
    10. Health Risks of Nicotine and Cannabis E-cigarettes on Teens
    11. Treatment and Support for Nicotine Addiction in Teens
    12. Supporting Teens in Quitting Substance Use
    13. Environmental Concerns and Changing Attitudes Towards Substance Use
    14. Survival of Teens Despite Risky Behaviors
    15. Sexual Behavior, E-cigarette Usage, and Cannabis Legalization
    16. Risks of Nicotine Pouches and Effective Messaging for Prevention
    17. Promoting Healthy Decision-Making and Comprehensive Education
    18. Fentanyl Overdose Epidemic Among Teens
    19. Teen Substance Use and Shifting Trends
    20. Building Trust and Empowering Teens
    21. Impacts of Pornography and Social Media on Teens
    22. Supplements, Social Media, and Additional Resources
    Summary
    Transcript

    Risky Behaviors Among Adolescents, Teens, and Young Adults

    00:00 - 07:08

    • The podcast discusses risky behaviors among adolescents, teens, and young adults, including nicotine use, cannabis use, risky driving behavior, alcohol consumption, and risky sexual behavior.
    • Factors impacting youth participation in risky behaviors are explored, such as family dynamics, peer influence, and social media.
    • Marketing combined with peer pressure is highlighted as a factor driving youth towards risky behaviors.
    • Dr. Halpern-Felsher shares the latest research on risk-taking behavior in young individuals and strategies to mitigate potential harms.

    Adolescence and Peer Pressure

    06:41 - 14:14

    • Adolescence is a time of exploration marked by physical, emotional, and social changes.
    • Peer pressure plays a significant role in adolescence despite misconceptions that it diminishes during this stage.
    • Autonomy is important for teens, but parental monitoring and involvement are crucial to mitigate risks.
    • Divorce itself may not directly impact adolescents; it's the conflict between parents that can lead to social and emotional issues.
    • Smartphones have both positive and negative impacts on adolescents, facilitating communication with parents but also increasing peer-to-peer interactions and potential issues like bullying and drug use.

    Impact of Smartphones and Social Media on Teenagers

    13:53 - 21:24

    • Smartphones and social media have increased risk behavior among teenagers due to easy access and viral spread of information.
    • Teenagers now have more access to marketing, including peer-to-peer promotion of products like e-cigarettes and cannabis.
    • Concerns about social media include outside influences targeting young people, bullying, and impact on social and physical development.
    • Some teenagers are consciously trying to reduce phone usage during face-to-face interactions, showing a movement towards more in-person communication.
    • While communication methods have changed with technology, as long as teenagers engage in healthy activities and interactions, the concern lies more with external influences like predatory behaviors and marketing.

    E-cigarette Usage Among Teens

    20:55 - 28:33

    • Initiation of e-cigarette use decreased in 2020 due to COVID and lack of socialization among teens
    • Teens who were already addicted to e-cigarettes continued to use during the pandemic
    • Contradictory perspectives on e-cigarette usage rates between national data (around 10%) and schools (reporting 40-60% usage)
    • Nicotine is highly addictive and not healthy for the body, despite short-term cognitive enhancement effects
    • Reasons for teenagers trying nicotine include marketing strategies targeting young people with appealing designs like USB devices and highlighters
    • Marketing tactics extend to products resembling children's items, leading to concerns about nicotine use among children under 10 years old

    Marketing Strategies and Impacts of E-cigarettes on Teens

    28:12 - 35:19

    • Young people are being targeted with e-cigarette products through appealing flavors and marketing strategies.
    • The names and designs of e-cigarette products are specifically aimed at attracting kids, not adults.
    • Adults using e-cigarettes are often former smokers trying to quit, while teenagers typically start vaping due to marketing, flavors, and the ability to hide it from parents.
    • Teens start vaping because they like the taste, rush, and buzz provided by e-cigarettes.
    • Stress and coping also play a role in why teens turn to vaping, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

    Health Risks and Addiction of E-cigarette Usage Among Teens

    34:52 - 41:53

    • Teens are using e-cigarettes with high levels of nicotine and quickly becoming addicted.
    • Teens start using e-cigarettes for the flavors and marketing but continue due to the high nicotine content.
    • Many teens show signs of addiction to nicotine within a few weeks of starting to use e-cigarettes.
    • Teens often use e-cigarettes immediately upon waking up, indicating addiction.
    • Withdrawal symptoms from e-cigarette use include shaking, sweating, and difficulty concentrating.
    • Teens may obtain money for purchasing e-cigarettes through various means like babysitting or selling puffs to peers.
    • Access to e-cigarettes is easier than it should be, despite the legal age restriction being raised to 21 in the US.

    Health Hazards and Concerns of E-cigarette Usage Among Teens

    48:06 - 55:29

    • Teens easily access vaping products from vape shops and online due to lack of regulation.
    • Concerns about the health hazards of vaping include potential impacts on lung disease, cancer rates, brain development, cognitive function, and lung function.
    • Nicotine in e-cigarettes can harm the developing brain and increase addiction risk in adolescents and young adults.
    • Aldehydes in e-cigarettes have been linked to cancer, although more research is needed to fully understand the risks.
    • E-cigarettes contain various chemicals like lead, cadmium, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorants that raise concerns about their health effects on heart and lungs.
    • Inhaling flavors from e-cigarettes can cause lung issues such as lesions, collapses, pneumonia, asthma, and seizures.

    Effects of Nicotine and Cannabis E-cigarettes on Teens

    54:59 - 1:01:42

    • Nicotine in e-cigarettes can lead to seizures due to its stimulant effects on the brain
    • E-cigarette use can be destructive to the lungs and impact athletic performance
    • Anti-smoking campaigns focusing on social pressure rather than health risks may be more effective with teens
    • Just saying 'no' approach is ineffective with teenagers as they weigh perceived benefits over risks

    Prevention and Education Strategies for Teens

    1:01:29 - 1:08:47

    • Teens are targeted by the e-cigarette industry to become smokers intentionally.
    • Educational campaigns focusing on the addictive nature of nicotine and deceptive marketing strategies are effective in deterring teens from vaping.
    • Messaging to teens should emphasize defiance against destructive behaviors and provide information on cannabis use, especially regarding THC levels and potential risks.
    • The potency of THC in cannabis has significantly increased, with concerns about its impact on youth, who may transition from nicotine vaping to cannabis use.

    Health Risks of Nicotine and Cannabis E-cigarettes on Teens

    1:08:36 - 1:16:16

    • Nicotine and cannabis e-cigarettes can be tampered with, leading to potential health risks like benzoic acid exposure.
    • Inhaling substances into the lungs allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream and brain, posing health concerns for teenagers vaping cannabis e-cigarettes.
    • High THC cannabis use in youth, especially males, may contribute to the development of psychotic symptoms that could be irreversible or difficult to manage.
    • Addiction to nicotine and cannabis is a significant issue among teens, with about one in six users becoming addicted under the age of 25.
    • Quitting vaping and e-cigarettes, whether nicotine or cannabis-based, can be challenging due to addiction, with recovery programs being limited and effectiveness varying.

    Treatment and Support for Nicotine Addiction in Teens

    1:15:55 - 1:23:01

    • Nicotine is highly addictive, especially for teens who struggle to quit e-cigarettes.
    • Treatment options for nicotine addiction in teens are limited due to lack of research and FDA approval.
    • Doctors may recommend using nicotine patches off-label for teens but dosage can be a challenge.
    • Teens use various methods like chewing gum or distracting themselves to cope with nicotine withdrawal.
    • Quitting smoking is difficult and often requires multiple attempts for both adults and teens.
    • Social pressure and rewards make it challenging for teens to quit vaping, requiring changes in social circles and support from family.
    • Combination of nicotine replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, and therapy may be needed to help teens overcome addiction.

    Supporting Teens in Quitting Substance Use

    1:22:32 - 1:29:29

    • Teens may engage in substance use for social acceptance and inclusion in social structures.
    • There is a need to create replacement behaviors and a culture of quitting to help teens move away from vaping and substance use.
    • More teens are open to quitting or not using substances, indicating a positive shift in attitudes.
    • Social supports and youth groups are playing a role in helping teens quit or avoid substance use.
    • Environmental impacts of vaping, such as secondhand vapor and chemicals, are also important considerations when discussing the harms of substance use.

    Environmental Concerns and Changing Attitudes Towards Substance Use

    1:29:11 - 1:36:14

    • Nicotine in the air can carry COVID droplets and settle into surfaces, posing risks to pets and children.
    • Encouraging young people to quit vaping by highlighting environmental concerns and replacement behaviors.
    • Social media may be reducing interest in activities among youth, potentially leading to a closed loop of reward with substance use.
    • Vaping is now widespread across demographics, not limited to specific groups or backgrounds.
    • Teens today may be less engaged in traditional activities like sports and outdoor games due to social media and safety concerns.
    • Parental fears of predatory behavior and excessive phone use may contribute to reduced autonomy for teens, impacting their social interactions.

    Survival of Teens Despite Risky Behaviors

    1:35:51 - 1:42:58

    • The podcast discusses the survival of teenagers despite risky behaviors like drugs, alcohol, and reckless driving.
    • There has been a shift towards more balanced research on risk-taking behaviors between males and females.
    • Teens are still engaging in drinking and partying but are using designated drivers or ride-sharing services to avoid drunk driving.
    • Some teens are delaying getting their driver's license due to the availability of ride-sharing services.
    • Risk behaviors among teenagers are attributed to impulsivity linked to brain development, with programs aimed at helping them make better decisions.
    • Marketing strategies targeting teens' impulsivity can influence their behavior.

    Sexual Behavior, E-cigarette Usage, and Cannabis Legalization

    1:42:39 - 1:49:37

    • Rates of sexual behavior and risky sexual behavior among teens are stabilizing and going down, partly due to increased awareness about condom use, STI testing, and birth control.
    • E-cigarette nicotine use varies by country, with some countries having regulations on nicotine levels which may lead to fewer teens becoming addicted.
    • Marketing of e-cigarettes has influenced the increase in teen usage in certain countries where it was not prevalent before.
    • Underage cannabis use continues even in states where it is legalized for adults above 21 years old.
    • Zinn pouches are gaining popularity as a nicotine product with potential risks such as addiction and blood pressure increase.

    Risks of Nicotine Pouches and Effective Messaging for Prevention

    1:49:12 - 1:56:31

    • Nicotine pouches like Zinn may pose a risk of oral cancer due to their use in the mouth
    • Concerns exist about the impact of nicotine on brain development, especially in teens who may consume high amounts through multiple pouches
    • The increasing prevalence of nicotine consumption raises questions about effective messaging for prevention and harm reduction strategies
    • Engaging in conversations with young people from an early age about decision-making and healthy behaviors is crucial for addressing substance use

    Promoting Healthy Decision-Making and Comprehensive Education

    1:56:08 - 2:03:05

    • Encouraging healthy decision-making involves starting conversations early and making them natural rather than scheduled
    • Simply saying 'no' to risky behaviors like drug use or sex may not be effective; it's important to provide comprehensive education and harm reduction strategies
    • Harm reduction messages, including providing information and tools for safer behavior, are more effective than strict abstinence-only approaches
    • Teens seek out information on sensitive topics like sex and drugs, so it's crucial to provide accurate and science-based education to counterbalance other sources of information

    Fentanyl Overdose Epidemic Among Teens

    2:02:37 - 2:09:33

    • Fentanyl overdose is a significant concern among young people, with an increasing number of teens and young adults being affected.
    • There is a debate around the idea of providing Narcan and fentanyl test strips in schools to address the overdose epidemic.
    • While some believe in providing these resources for harm reduction, there are concerns about potential unintended consequences and limitations of the test strips.
    • The presence of fentanyl in various pharmaceuticals like pain pills is contributing to the issue, with some individuals using them for self-directed clinical purposes rather than recreational drug use.

    Teen Substance Use and Shifting Trends

    2:09:11 - 2:16:29

    • Teens are unknowingly exposed to fentanyl through drugs like cannabis and vaping, leading to overdoses.
    • Recreational drug use has evolved over the years, with a shift towards self-medication and widespread availability of various substances.
    • There is optimism in the shift towards comprehensive education and harm reduction strategies to empower teens to make healthier decisions.
    • Conversations about drug use should be normalized among parents, educators, and concerned citizens to build trust and awareness with teens.

    Building Trust and Empowering Teens

    2:16:12 - 2:23:28

    • Building trust with teens through open conversations is essential for guiding them in making healthier choices.
    • Connecting current behaviors to teens' long-term goals can help them understand the implications of their choices.
    • Highlighting the exceptional qualities of teenagers, such as creativity and passion, can lead to positive outcomes.
    • Nicotine consumption during adolescence can alter brain wiring and increase the likelihood of addiction, emphasizing the importance of keeping young people away from nicotine.
    • Viewing pornography may impact healthy sexual relationships among teenagers, although specific effects on brain development are not fully known.

    Impacts of Pornography and Social Media on Teens

    2:23:01 - 2:30:20

    • Viewing pornography can negatively impact healthy sexual relationships and body image perceptions.
    • Social media can have significant impacts on brain development, which may be explored in a future episode.
    • Teens often self-medicate with substances like cannabis to cope with stress and anxiety.
    • Co-use of multiple substances among teens, such as cannabis and tobacco or alcohol, can lead to addiction and mental health issues.
    • Having open conversations about these issues is crucial for addressing and normalizing them in society.

    Supplements, Social Media, and Additional Resources

    2:29:58 - 2:31:19

    • Supplements have been discussed on previous episodes of the Huberman Lab podcast for benefits like improving sleep, hormone support, and focus.
    • Huberman Lab is active on various social media platforms discussing science-related topics that may overlap with the podcast content.
    • The Neural Network newsletter offers monthly summaries and protocols on various topics for free at HubermanLab.com.
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