From my own research as a counselor for both in-class and online drug classes, as well as a number of comprehensive studies, there is no doubt early nicotine use increases the likelihood of experimentation and abuse of harder drugs!
Our government has tried to fight teen tobacco use by promoting tobacco awareness and continually increasing the sin tax on tobacco products. In some states that sin tax in in excess of $4.25 per pack of cigarettes.
Despite community efforts 100 times more money is spent on advertising tobacco products to our nation’s youth than promoting abstinence. Tobacco companies are rich and they are smart. They understand to keep their business model as perpetually profitable they have to generate legions of new consumers every day.
Unfortunately, their ad campaigns are working. More than 5,000 adolescents take up tobacco every single day in America. Yes, you read that correctly – 5,000 every day!
We have to keep kids from ever starting. Education can only go so far. I think the answer lies in the parents. They must take an incredibly strong stance again tobacco products. That message must be loud and it must be clear. Do not ever try tobacco! And if you're tempted, take a tobacco awareness class!
