Youth/Young Adult
There is no question that tobacco and drug use cause emotional and physical harm to growing bodies. From inconvenient side effects to disease and death, these addictive substances have shown they can destroy lives. While previous generations were blind to the facts and deceit from industries pushing their products on youth, today’s youth are armed with the knowledge to help them lead happier and healthier substance free lives.
Get Involved
Young people in Maine are making a big impact in their communities by getting involved in policy change, taking action, and advocating for what they believe in. You too can be a positive influence for your peers and adults, by using your voice to make a difference. Here are some things you can do:
MYAN
Sticker Shock
Know the Dangers
Using tobacco, alcohol, and drugs is dangerous. Not only do they impact your emotional and physical development, but they also can lead to long-term disease and addiction, which can interfere with school, relationships, and health.
Vape Free Maine
The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown. Don’t be part of an experiment that uses flavors and nicotine to suck you in. Uncover the truth. Don’t get sucked in to the flavor trap. Don’t get sucked in to nicotine, the addictive chemical in e-cigarettes. It’s not a harmless water vapor.
Take Back Control.
If you’re between 13-24, This is Quitting is a free, confidential texting program to help you quit vaping. With This is Quitting (TIQ) — the help and support you need is just a text away. All you have to do to get started is text “MAINE” to 88709.
When you text the TIQ number you get motivational message and inspirational stories from people who’ve been where you are to keep you going. And if you’re not feeling 100% ready, no worries. You can still text the TIQ number anytime. We’ll always be here to help where you are in your quitting journey.
You Are The Target
The tobacco industry has purposely targeted youth with advertising, promotions, samples, movies, and more. If you begin smoking when you are young, you are more likely to become addicted which creates a long-term customer for their deadly products.
They review data about popular trends in music, fashion, and products that appeal to younger audiences. They know youth are highly influenced online and they intend to lure you into thinking smoking is hip and part of your identity.
Unfortunately, it works. Big Tobacco spends more than $42 million each year on targeting Maine youth and one third of youth who experiment with smoking do so because of effective tobacco industry marketing.
Party Smarter
If you are 21 or older, you may often enjoy alcohol when socializing with friends and family. Drinking can be harmful, depending on your age, health status, and how much/often you drink.
If you choose to have a drink, here are some simple steps to help you Party Smarter:
Sometimes the amount you drink can be a signal that you may have a problem with alcohol here are some resources to learn more:
A brief quiz to find out, how much is too much? – Alcohol Screening
Are your drinking habits impacting your health? – Rethinking Drinking
Positive Influence
Everybody’s not doing – and that’s a fact. The campaign challenges youth to engage in critical thinking skills, identify positive influences, and stand up to negative pressures around substance use. It allows youth to develop an awareness of how they want themselves to be perceived and how their actions might impact how others see them. The campaign empowers their expression and celebrates the importance of making smart choices around all substances.
Your life may be filled with pressure, some good, some bad. It’s important to be aware of the negative influences around you – whether that’s friends, school, athletics, social media, or something in the media. You have an opportunity to change the conversation and lead the way.