Vaping and Nicotine Use

Understanding the Risks

Vaping and tobacco products are often marketed as harmless—but nicotine is addictive, harmful to developing brains, and difficult to quit once use begins. At Butler First Step™, we’re committed to helping families, schools, and individuals understand the risks of vaping and tobacco use, and providing access to prevention and cessation resources in Butler County.

Butler First Step:

Programs That Make a Difference

Explore Butler First Step’s full range of prevention programs designed to support individuals, families, and communities. Whether you’re seeking education, resources, or ways to get involved, our programs offer something for everyone.

Destigmatizing Nicotine Prevention

It’s Not Just Cigarettes:

Today’s products include flavored vape pens, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and disposable devices that can be easy to hide and hard to detect.

It’s Not Just a Teen Problem:

While youth are heavily targeted, adults and older adults can also become dependent on nicotine—especially when using products marketed as “safer alternatives.”

You’re Not Alone:

Many people are working to quit nicotine and create smoke-free spaces. Prevention starts with open conversations and support—not blame.

Vaping Isn't Just a Phase

Nicotine Addiction Starts Young:

Most smokers begin before age 18. Nicotine affects brain development, making it harder for young people to focus, manage stress, or resist future substance use.

Vaping Isn’t Harmless:

Despite how it's marketed, vaping can damage lungs, increase anxiety, and lead to long-term nicotine addiction—even if the product doesn’t contain tobacco.

There’s Support for Quitting:

Whether it’s your first attempt or your fifth, help is available. With the right tools and encouragement, quitting is possible.

Marketing Targets Youth:

Flavored products, sleek packaging, and social media trends are designed to appeal to young people—making it easier to start and harder to quit.

Resources We Use and Recommend:

Vaping and Nicotine Prevention Resources

These vaping and nicotine prevention resources are our team’s favorites. Each one is designed to promote healthy choices and spark honest conversations with students, families, and communities. Check out what we recommend:

Helping Students Make Informed Choices

Understanding Vaping and Nicotine

Vaping and nicotine use can have serious effects on health, especially for young people. Our resources are designed to raise awareness, share facts, and encourage open conversations so students, families, and communities can make smart, confident decisions about vaping and nicotine.

Chemicals in the Community

Chemicals in the Community is an education program designed to provide the most up-to-date data and information on the current drug trends in Western PA (Butler and Beaver Counties, specifically.) This presentation is intended for high school students, college students, parents and other professionals to learn how to identify current substance in use, the signs and symptoms of use, and the resources available in the area if there is a need for treatment. The presentation is updated on a continual basis to reflect new trends in addition to new local and national data.

Programs for Schools

Our vaping and nicotine prevention resources are specially designed for schools to support educators in teaching students about the risks and realities of vaping. These tools make it easy to start honest conversations and help students make healthier choices every day.

Learn more and access our programs here.

Help Is Nearby

Where to Find Vaping & Tobacco Prevention Resources in Butler County

Butler First Step
Reach out or visit our Find Help page for school-based prevention programs, family education tools, and cessation resources.
Quitline Support
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free coaching, text support, and nicotine replacement therapy options.
Community Health Providers
Many doctors and clinics can help youth and adults quit through one-on-one counseling, medications, and behavioral support.
Behavioral Health Providers
Counselors and therapists across Butler County can help address the emotional side of addiction and support long-term quitting efforts.

Vaping & Nicotine:

What You Need to Know

What’s in a vape?
Most vapes contain nicotine, flavoring chemicals, and other harmful substances—not just “water vapor.” Some products may also contain THC or unknown additives.
Is vaping better than smoking?
While vaping may be less harmful than smoking cigarettes, it’s still addictive and not safe—especially for young people, pregnant individuals, and people with respiratory issues.
Can someone get addicted quickly?
Yes. Because vaping delivers high levels of nicotine quickly, it can lead to addiction in just a short time, especially in teens.
How can I talk to a teen about vaping?
Start with curiosity, not judgment. Ask what they know, share facts, and offer support rather than punishment. Let them know they’re not alone if they want to quit.
What are the health risks of vaping?
Vaping can harm lung health, cause breathing problems, and impact brain development—especially in teens. It may also increase the chance of trying other tobacco products or substances.

Local Support in
Butler County

Butler First Step™ is committed to providing families with access to local resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

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