TAMUK sees increase in smoking on campus
As the stress from finals starts to overwhelm the students of Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) many students have found themselves searching for a way to manage the stress.
Nicotine vapes have gained popularity amongst college students as a way to fit in, alleviate stress and to avoid smoking cigarettes.
According to study findings published by Respiratory Care, one third of college students use electronic nicotine delivery systems and about half of the students increased their vaping during the COVID- 19 lockdowns.
“I started vaping about two years ago, when I was in college, but a lot of people I know started vaping in high school. I think the amount of students vaping is going to increase every year, because some people perceive it as cool,” student Megan Pollok said.
Vapes with nicotine can have serious negative effects on the health and wellbeing of users and can easily become addictive. Some effects of vaping are addiction, irritation, blurry vision, increased airway resistance, increased blood pressure, chest pain, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain.
“I know that vaping makes your lungs black and horrible, your lungs become very rigid. If you look at photos of the lungs of smokers they look like charcoal,” student Selene Camargo said.
Smoking and e- cigarettes are not permitted in the residence halls, buildings, parking lots and throughout campus; yet many students are not aware of the ban in place and continue to vape.
“The South Texan” conducted a survey through Google Forms which was advertised on Instagram.
Twenty-six TAMUK students participated in the survey and answered eight questions regarding vaping on campus.
Students were asked if they had seen anyone on campus smoking and to identify which device was used.
Half of the participants mentioned cigars/cigarettes, 76.9 percent said vapes, 65.4 percent included CBD/THC pens and 15.4 percent stated they had never seen such devices used on campus.
When students were asked if TAMUK could provide more opportunities for students to learn about the results of vaping, 96.2 percent of participants voted yes.
“I think the university should have more events with food since that brings students in, and pass out pamphlets showing students what happens to your body and brain when you vape,” Camargo said.
Local vape shops in Kingsville offer student discounts if an individual provides proper identification stating their age and identification verifying their enrollment at TAMUK.
“Around 35 percent of our clientele at Red Rum, Holy Smokes and Hard Rock present TAMUK identification cards, but the majority of our clients are military,” District Manager Kaylie Tyra said.
While Red Rum, Holy Smokes and Hard Rock are located across town Head Rush is located within walking distance of campus, to which students can easily travel to purchase vape devices.
“I found it [student discounts] weird when I first found out, because I don’t think it would be a good representation of our school and I know this is a smoke- free campus. I feel like it could have a negative impact on our campus image,” Pollok said.
As the popularity of vaping increases, the Federal Drug Administration has announced that many vape devices have been disguised as school supplies such as pens and highlighters.
Online retailers have also sold water bottle shaped vape devices and hoodies with hidden devices in the drawstrings.
“I believe TAMUK can provide more opportunities for students that want to stop their vaping addiction. People in my generation [Gen Z] have a problem with how much they vape, some people do it to manage stress. I’ve seen students on campus vaping and smoking cigarettes,” student Luis Ramirez said.
TAMUK Student Health and Wellness (SHW) recently participated in spreading awareness about quitting smoking at the Great American Smokeout which was observed on Nov. 23.
Director of Student Health and Wellness Jo Elda Castillo-Alaniz discussed the resources SHW has to offer for students that are seeking stress management and counseling services.
“I believe the best option for an individual is to find ways to stop using the product in general, there are many health hazards. For individuals that have turned to vaping to manage stress and [as a way to help them fall asleep] they should treat themselves with a Relaxing Moment,” Castillo-Alaniz said.
The Relaxing Moment sessions include 30 minutes of aroma therapy, breathing techniques, oculus virtual reality, antigravity massage chair and visual imagery.
To schedule an appointment for counseling services or a Relaxing Moment call (361) 593- 5080.
