Many people dealing with substance use disorder started with something as common as a cigarette. Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers and the Geauga YMCA will present “Tobacco’s Impact on the Community” at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Geauga YMCA, 12460 Bass Lake Road, Munson Township.
Presenters Matt Petersen and Nicol Susel, prevention specialists at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers, will share what efforts are underway in the community to address this health problem and reveal what our kids know about the marketing of tobacco.
Tobacco is responsible for the top three leading causes of death in the United States and tobacco companies continue to market heavily to the public spending $8.9 billion per year on promotion, according to an April 16 LGRC press release.
“Non-smokers are also at risk with secondhand smoke containing over 4,000 chemicals and the related health risks include cancer, heart disease, lung disease and other health problems,” the release stated.
The National Institute of Health has reported researchers suspect smoking e-cigarettes makes the brain more susceptible to cocaine addiction especially in teens, the release said.
“A report by the Surgeon General reports, ‘Because nicotine affects the development of the brain’s reward system, continued e-cigarette use can not only lead to nicotine addiction, but it also can make other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine more pleasurable to a teen’s developing brain,’” the release stated.
E-cigarette use is the most commonly used form of tobacco among youth in this country, according to the NIH.
“It isn’t surprising when you realize that e-cigarette advertising from tobacco companies topped $125 million in 2014 alone,” the release said. “The Center on Disease Control reports that e-cigarette use among youth is approximately 11.3 percent among high school students and 4.3 percent of middle school students.
“The NIH has reported that e-cigarettes can lead to nicotine addiction and ‘can make other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine more pleasurable to a teen’s developing brain.’”
Those interested in attending this free event are asked to contact Matt Petersen at mpetersen@lgrc.us or call 440-205-2672. The event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
