Questions about vaping, nicotine, alcohol or other substances? Start here.
Whether you’re a teen looking for answers or a parent concerned about your child, finding reliable information and support shouldn’t be complicated. Explore the facts, learn about local programs, and take the next step when you’re ready.
Quick links: Get Support | Quit Smoking or Vaping | Know the Facts | Help Your Teen
Concerned about substance use? Get support early.
You don’t have to wait for a problem to become a crisis before asking for help.
Teen Intervene
Teen Intervene is a free program offered through Lebanon Family Health Services for teens experiencing mild to moderate substance use concerns, including alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. It can be provided in a variety of settings, including school.
If you’re concerned about your own use or a teen in your life, start with the registration and referral form. Learn more about Teen Intervene
Help with smoking, vaping and nicotine
Nicotine can be hard to quit. Education and support can help teens understand their use and build skills to make a change.
INDEPTH: Understand nicotine. Explore healthier choices.
INDEPTH is an educational program for teens who use tobacco or nicotine products. Through four guided sessions, participants learn about nicotine dependence, cravings, and healthy alternatives.
Often offered as an alternative to suspension or citation, INDEPTH provides an opportunity to learn and consider next steps. It is an education program; teens who want help quitting can also explore N-O-T.
Ask about INDEPTH: Call Lebanon Family Health Services at 717-273-6741, ext. 310, or email sierra@lebanonfamilyhealth.org.
N-O-T: Ready to quit smoking or vaping?
Not On Tobacco® (N-O-T) is a voluntary program designed for teens who want to quit. Participants learn how to recognize triggers, manage cravings and stress, and build support for staying tobacco-free.
Lebanon Family Health Services offers free classes at school sites and at LFHS.
Ask about N-O-T classes: Email sierra@lebanonfamilyhealth.org.
Prefer to start online? NOT for Me offers free, self-guided support for teens who want to quit smoking or vaping.
Know what you’re using
Flavors, packaging and social media trends don’t tell the whole story. Understanding what’s in a product—and how it can affect you—helps you make informed choices.
Vape aerosol is more than water vapor. It can contain nicotine, harmful chemicals and tiny particles that reach deep into the lungs.
Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain, including areas involved in attention, learning, mood and impulse control.
Having trouble going without your vape? Cravings, irritability and difficulty concentrating can be signs of nicotine dependence. Support is available.
Nicotine pouches are placed between the lip and gum. They don’t produce smoke or require a vape device, but they still deliver addictive nicotine.
“Tobacco-free” does not mean nicotine-free or harmless. These products are not appropriate for teens.
Keep pouches away from younger children and pets. Accidental exposure can cause poisoning.
Kratom is a plant-derived substance sold in products such as powders, capsules and liquid shots. Being marketed as “natural” does not make it safe.
Kratom has been linked to dependence, withdrawal, seizures and liver injury. Some products contain added or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, a substance with opioid effects that can cause serious harm. These concentrated products differ from traditional kratom leaf.
Using a product to manage stress, pain or anxiety? Talk with a health care professional about safer options.
Energy drinks, energy shots and some pre-workout products can contain large amounts of caffeine. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, sleep problems and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Sugar-free doesn’t mean caffeine-free. Check labels and consider caffeine from all sources, including coffee, soda and supplements.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding caffeine for children and teens. Water, regular meals and adequate sleep are better foundations for energy.
Parents and caregivers: Keep the conversation open
You don’t need to know every product or have a perfect speech prepared. Start with curiosity, listen, and make it clear that your child can come to you for help.
Try asking:
- “What are you seeing or hearing about at school?”
- “What do people think these products do for them?”
- “Have you ever felt pressured to try something?”
- “If you wanted help stopping, what would make it easier?”
Share your expectations clearly and calmly. If your child is using a substance, focus on understanding what’s happening and finding support.
Not sure where to begin? Learn about Teen Intervene or complete the registration and referral form.
Real conversations. Local voices.
Watch our short videos about youth substance use, everyday pressures and asking for help. Share them with your family and use them to start a conversation.
About the coalition
The Lebanon County Youth Substance Abuse Coalition is an initiative of the Community Health Council of Lebanon County. Explore our youth resources and opportunities to get involved.