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Everything You Need to Know About Nicotine

March 2025
Illustrations by Be Fernández

Want to hear some good news? Cigarette smoking among teens has been dropping over the past few decades. In a recent survey, fewer than 10 percent of high school students reported smoking cigarettes in the past month, compared with more than 30 percent in 1997. The bad news? Teens who smoke are more likely to become addicted to nicotine, the drug in cigarettes, than people who start smoking when they’re older. Cigarettes aren’t the only products that contain nicotine. It’s found in vapes, cigars, and smokeless forms of tobacco known as dip or chew. Using any type of nicotine product can lead to serious health conditions, including gum decay, heart and lung problems, cancer, and even death. Here’s why you should avoid nicotine in all forms.

Bad for You in Any Form

Nicotine Product: cigarettes, cigars

What It Is: Dried tobacco leaves that are wrapped in paper and smoked

Health Effects: Risk of lung, oral, and throat cancer; breathing issues such as emphysema and bronchitis

Nicotine Product: vapes; e-cigarettes

What It Is: Concentrated form of nicotine that is inhaled as a vapor

Health Effects: Risk of lung damage and cancer and other diseases; eye, nose, and throat irritation; nausea

Nicotine Product: dip, chew, pouches

What It Is: Wet or dry tobacco that is held in the cheek or against the inside of the lip

Health Effects: Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach; tooth decay; gum disease

Nicotine Product: gum, gummies

What It Is: Flavored products containing nicotine that are meant to be chewed

Health Effects: Risk of oral cancer; mouth sores; vomiting; irregular heartbeat; nicotine poisoning

Teens who smoke cigarettes before the age of 15 are up to 80 TIMES more likely to use illegal drugs than teens who don’t. 

Craving Nicotine? Try This Instead

  • Chew sugarless gum
  • Eat sunflower seeds, nuts, or raisins
  • Whistle
  • Blow bubbles
  • Put on lip balm
  • Text a friend for support
  • Lick a sugar-free lollipop
  • Sing a song

Sources: cdc.gov; nih.gov; kidshealth.org

Nicotine and Your Brain

Nicotine can negatively affect your mood and the way your brain works. Studies have linked nicotine use by teens to problems with attention and focus. That means it may affect your ability to learn. Nicotine use also may be associated with mood disorders like anxiety.

QUIZ

1

True or false? Smokeless forms of nicotine like vapes are safer for you than cigarettes.

False! No type of nicotine product is safe for you to use.
2

True or false? It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy any type of nicotine product.

True! If you’re caught with a nicotine product and you’re under 21, you could be required to pay a fine, do community service, or attend a drug abuse program.
Take the quiz again
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