MDH: Nicotine dependence rising among Minnesotan teenagers

Minnesota students who vape have shown an increase in nicotine dependency, according to new data from the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey.

The Minnesota Department of Health released the findings Tuesday, sharing that about seven in ten students who vape want to quit, and nearly two-thirds of students have tried to quit over ten times, unsuccessfully.

"It's a dire situation that so many of our teens are struggling with the health harms of nicotine dependence," Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham said. "Many teens may smoke or vape because they think it helps them relieve stress or anxiety, but the nicotine can worsen those feelings. 

Nicotine dependence can manifest itself in young people rapidly. Severe withdrawal symptoms from increased nicotine dependency can worsen depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress, as well as produce mood swings and low mood.

According to data from the Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey, 79.6% of students who vape said they have seen one or more indications of dependence, like unbearable cravings and mindlessly reaching for their vape.

49.5% of students who vaped in the previous 30 days did so on at least 20 of those days. This is a 165% increase in vaping frequency since 2017 and a 47% increase in frequent vaping since 2020.

Vapes come in various flavors and designs now, with some even having mini-games you can play, making them more attractive to potential young consumers. 

"It's no surprise that youth continue to get hooked," said Elyse Levine Less, the Tobacco Free Alliance executive director. "The tobacco industry's well-calculated strategy of enticing flavors they've engineered draws teens into vaping, while the addictive nicotine content ensures their continued dependence."

However, vaping among teenagers has decreased since the implementation of public health measures and vaping restrictions. Data shows that in 2023, 13.9%, or about 1 in 7 high school students, reported vaping in the past 30 days, significantly declining from 19.3% in 2020.

The Minnesota Department of Health offers assistance to teenagers who want to give up commercial tobacco products, such as vaping.

Minnesotan teens ages 13 to 17 can get free, private assistance through the program My Life, My Quit, which helps them stop using commercial tobacco products. 

They can also learn more about the risks associated with vaping at Room to Breathe, a brand-new website that educates kids about the effects of vaping on mental health and how the business targets young people.