#United States #Washington #Truth Initiative #Nicotine Addiction #Quit Collective

The 2026 Resolution: Youth's Quest to Quit Nicotine

In a daring announcement, 67% of young people aged 18-24 who currently use nicotine are determined to quit in the upcoming year, according to a recent survey conducted by the Truth Initiative. This organization, recognized as the largest nonprofit devoted to combating youth nicotine addiction, is shedding light on the realities that many young adults face in today's nicotine landscape.

Changing Landscape of Nicotine Products

A worrying trend has emerged over the last few years: the nicotine products available to youths are evolving—becoming larger, cheaper, and significantly more potent. Research indicates that between 2017 and 2022, disposable e-cigarettes saw an almost threefold increase in nicotine strength, a fivefold rise in e-liquid capacity, while their prices fell by nearly 70%. Disturbingly, these products often lack FDA authorization. Consequently, the market is flooded with items that young users may be unaware are illegal.

Simultaneously, new findings show that the percentage of daily e-cigarette users in middle and high schools who attempted to quit but failed skyrocketed from 28.2% to 53% between 2020 and 2024. Furthermore, a startling 76% of teenagers who engaged in vaping reported using their devices within 30 minutes of waking up, underscoring a surging dependence on nicotine. This environment leads to increased instances of dual and poly-use of tobacco products, with the pattern of combining e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco being notably prevalent.

The Impact on Young Minds

The gravity of nicotine dependence extends beyond physical health concerns. Nicotine is known to adversely affect developing brains, amplifying feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Young nicotine users already grappling with mental health issues are placed at an even greater risk. Further studies illustrate that adolescents who vape are significantly more likely to turn to cannabis in the future compared to their non-vaping peers, opening up the potential for risky behaviors down the road.

This highlights the complexity of quitting and the urgent need for accessible support systems designed specifically for the youth demographic.

A Collective Movement to Quit

Kathy Crosby, the CEO and President of Truth Initiative, expressed the sentiment of many young individuals, stating, "Young people want to quit, but they're trying to break free in a market flooded with bigger, cheaper, and more potent products designed to deepen addiction." The commencement of a New Year provides an empowering opportunity, as quitting nicotine isn't simply about sacrifice but reclaiming one's life.

Recognizing this, the Truth Initiative launched the Quit Collective, a rallying community of creators and influencers dedicated to guiding young individuals aspiring to quit nicotine. Members share personal anecdotes, candidly discussing their quitting journeys and the struggles faced, which makes their experiences relatable to followers.

For instance, influencer Hyram Yarbro reflected, "I couldn't quit cold turkey... It was essential for me to approach my journey with compassion instead of shame, and the support from the EX Program was invaluable. Since quitting, I've rediscovered my energy and improved my overall well-being."

This initiative has proven effective as its members successfully enroll nearly 2,000 young people weekly into the EX Program.

Empowering Young People to Outsmart Nicotine

In a concerted effort to encourage the youth to adhere to their New Year resolutions, the Truth Initiative unveiled the Outsmart Nicotine campaign. This initiative strives to introduce young people to the EX Program, known for providing tailored quitting plans, interactive text messaging, and peer support networks. The design and implementation of the program show promising results, boasting a 40% increase in the likelihood of quitting compared to a control group among adolescents and young adults.

With the majority of participants being individuals aged 13-24, the EX Program has become a beacon of hope for those eager to transition away from vaping, with 93% of enrollees specifying their intention to quit vaping. For anyone ready to embark on their quitting journey, resources are available through exprogram.com or by texting EXPROGRAM to 88709.

In conclusion, as we approach 2026, the aspirations of young nicotine users to quit highlight both the vast challenges they face and the profound need for accessible support mechanisms. The efforts from organizations like Truth Initiative and the dedication of the youth participating in the Quit Collective exemplify the collective drive towards healthier futures, free from the grip of nicotine addiction.