Not Another Puff: Youth Tobacco, Vaping and Treatment Summit

Nicotine use and dependence among young people are rising quickly due to vaping. This has become a serious public health issue that warrants urgent attention. The lack of programs designed specifically for youth who vape nicotine, tobacco and other mood altering substances makes it harder for them to recover and stay healthy. Research shows that teens who are dependent on nicotine and tobacco often struggle to find care to treat their individual needs. When service providers lack the latest information about vaping, and the clinical tools needed to support decreased use, adolescents may become more dependent on different substances instead of receiving the treatment they need. Learning about vaping trends, the availability of cessation resources, and how to access different options can help providers in Alabama guide youth to quality treatment services that result in decreased use and sustained recovery. Summit Objectives: Provide an overview of vaping and tobacco use in adolescents and young adults; Discuss how to integrate screening practices into treatment workflows, including intake and treatment workflows; Explain different behavioral interventions that can be used in traditional and nontraditional youth service settings; Provide information on how to access adolescent substance use treatment programs.