Drug Education Teacher Booklet

For more information see positivechoices.org.au Drugs & Alcohol: What You Need to Know 33 * See Glossary on page 36 ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES (E-CIGARETTES) Electronic cigarettes (also known as ‘e-cigarettes’ or ‘vapes’) are handheld electronic devices that mimic the effects of a tobacco cigarette but produce vapour instead of smoke when inhaled. The use of e-cigarettes is often referred to as ‘vaping’. According to the 2017 Australian Secondary School Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey, 13% of young people aged 12-17 have used e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes containing nicotine are available in some countries but in Australia their sale is illegal. E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal in Australia for adults over the age of 18, however, it is against the law to sell e-cigarettes to young people under the age of 18. As e-cigarettes are a relatively recent phenomenon, there are no long-term studies that can establish their safety. Because of this, it is unclear whether vaping is any safer than smoking tobacco, and the long-term effects are currently unknown. EFFECTS OF TOBACCO Even though smoking is legal, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe, or that it is less harmful than illegal drugs. In fact, smoking is responsible for more deaths than any other drug. Smoking is legal because it was already widely used and socially accepted before the health risks became understood. Effects of tobacco smoking vary, but may include: WHAT ARE THEY? Cigarettes are made from the dried and cured leaves of the tobacco plant. Nicotine is the key addictive drug in tobacco. Like other drugs, nicotine changes the way the brain works and causes cravings for more nicotine. IMMEDIATE LONG TERM ● Increased heart rate ● Increased blood pressure ● Reduced oxygen to the brain and lungs ● Bad breath ● Stained teeth and fingers ● Shortness of breath ● Increased phlegm production ● Persistent coughing ● Constricted blood vessels ● Nausea and dizziness ● Dependence* ● Dental problems ● Premature aging ● Reduced physical fitness ● Reduced fertility ● Respiratory (breathing) problems ● Increased risk of heart disease (smokers are 2-4 times more at risk) ● Lung disease (e.g. emphysema) ● Diabetes ● Cancer Nicotine can be found in: ● Tailor-made manufactured cigarettes ● Roll-your-own cigarettes ● Cigars ● Pipe tobacco ● Water pipe tobacco (shisha, narghile) ● Chop-chop (illegal loose rolling tobacco) ● Herbal and spiced cigarettes ● E-cigarettes TOBACCO & E-CIGARETTES