Facts & Stats

Did You Know?

9 out of 10 people with addiction involving nicotine, alcohol or other drugs began using these substances before they were 18.
People who began using addictive substances before age 15 are nearly 7 times likelier to become addicted than those who delay first use until age 21 or older.
E-cigarette use has increased in recent years, especially among youth and young adults, who use e-cigarettes more than any other age group. E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth.

A 2015 report from the National Health Interview Survey states that 40 percent of young adults who use e-cigarettes every day or some days were never smokers before trying e-cigarettes. 17
The 2018 NASEM report concluded that, “there is substantial evidence that e-cigarette use increases risk of ever using combustible tobacco cigarettes among youth and young.
Youth e-cigarette users cite flavors as a reason they begin using e-cigarettes. A study that included middle and high school students found that 43 percent of young people who ever used e-cigarettes tried them because of appealing flavors. 13

Statistics sites:

This year's Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of drug use and attitudes among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders across hundreds of schools nationwide continues to show promising trends. Past-year use of illicit drugs other than marijuana remains at the lowest levels in over two decades—5.8% among 8th graders, 9.4% among 10th graders, and 13.3% among 12th graders.
In July 2019, New York State raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 21. "By raising the smoking age from 18 to 21, we can prevent cigarettes and e-cigarettes from reaching young people and help protect an entire generation from developing costly and potentially deadly addictions," stated Gov. Andrew Cuomo.