Welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast, where we explore important topics to help you be a better guide for your kids. I’m Dr. Marissa Caudill, your host, a mom, and child psychiatrist with over 17 years of experience.
Today, we're diving into a serious issue affecting our kids and teens—vaping THC through e-cigarettes. This topic is crucial because vaping can lead to severe mental health challenges. I’ll share what I’ve learned from treating young people in California, where e-cigarettes and marijuana use have become more common.
We'll discuss the rise of vaping THC and its potential risks, such as depression, mania, and even psychosis. I want to help you understand these dangers and feel confident talking to your kids about them. It’s important to start these conversations early. Studies show that kids who talk with their parents about vaping are over 50% less likely to develop a substance use problem.
This episode also covers how vapes work and why they are so appealing to young people, especially with all the different flavors available. I’ll explain the science behind why teens might underestimate the risks of vaping and how you can guide them to make safer choices.
Remember, it’s not just about scaring our kids away from vaping; it’s about keeping the lines of communication open. That way, they feel comfortable coming to you if they ever try vaping or if they’re around others who do.
Together, we’ll learn how to spot signs of vaping, understand its appeal, and discuss strategies for talking about this challenging topic with our kids. Join me as we tackle this together, ensuring our children can make informed decisions and stay healthy.
If you're looking for more resources or want to join our community, check out my website (www.theparentdoctor.com) to sign up for my free monthly book club and/or free weekly newsletter.
Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and open, honest discussions with our kids about vaping and its impacts.