Residents Discuss Vaping Trends At Columbus Community Hospital

COLUMBUS - Columbus residents had the opportunity to meet together Thursday afternoon, and learn about the latest trends in vaping, e-cigarette, and drug uses.

The presentation was part of Columbus Community Hospital's Lunch and Learn series, and contained a presentation from Jamie Rodriguez, a Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator with the East Central District Health Department. In her presentation, Rodriguez detailed ways that parents can spot drug use by their children, showcasing a number of products specifically designed for stashing drugs in innocuous-looking items.

A variety of products are available for purchase on Amazon, designed for concealing drugs in containers that look like water bottles, deodorants, lint rollers, and even power strips. As far as vaping is concerned, it is a trend that is continuing to increase among youths not only nationwide, but in Columbus as well.

According to data compiled by the surgeon general in 2017, 1.7 million high school students admit to using vapes regularly, over 500,000 middle school students admit to using vapes regularly, and electronic vapor containing nicotine has gone up 900% in the last couple of years.

In an interview conducted in January, Columbus High School Assistant Principal Jon Frey said that vaping has become a consistent problem in the school, despite bans on tobacco products. Frey said that during the school year, CHS found themselves dealing with almost daily issues of underage tobacco violations, with students playing games with one another to see who could vape the most during the school day and get away with it.

During her presentation, Rodriguez said that in order for parents to be proactive routine spot-checks are recommended to check for drug or vaping paraphernalia, and to have a consistent dialogue with their children about the dangers of drug use and prolonged vaping.