Tobacco and Nicotine
Cigarette smoking may be on the decline, but vaping is on the rise—especially among college students. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 college students reported vaping nicotine in the past month (Monitoring the Future, 2024). Newer products like nicotine pouches (such as Zyn) are also becoming more common. Even though research is still catching up with these trends, we already know that regular nicotine use can have serious effects on both your physical and mental health.
Emory is 100% smokefree and tobacco free and all products containing nicotine are prohibited on campus. For more information on please visit the policy page linked above.
Health Effects of Tobacco and Nicotine Use
Mental Health Effects (American Lung Association, 2024)
Nicotine doesn’t just affect your body—it has strong ties to mental health, too. While some people use tobacco products to manage stress or anxiety, research shows this often leads to a cycle that can worsen mental health over time.
- Tobacco use and mental health are closely linked. About 35% of people who smoke have a behavioral health condition, such as depression or anxiety.
- People with mental health disorders are more likely to smoke—for example:
- 54% of people with a behavioral health condition are more likely to have ever used a cigarette over the past year, compared to 36% of those who do not have a behavioral health condition.
- 70-85% of those with schizophrenia have a history of smoking.
- People with serious mental illness who smoke are more likely to die from cancer, lung disease, and heart conditions than those who don’t smoke.
- Nicotine may seem like a quick fix, but it can interfere with sleep, increase anxiety, and make mood symptoms worse in the long run.
Physical Health Effects (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024)
Whether it’s smoking traditional cigarettes, vaping, or using nicotine pouches like Zyn, all forms of nicotine use come with real physical risks:
- Heart & Lung Health: Nicotine raises your heart rate and blood pressure, and long-term use increases the risk of heart disease and respiratory problems.
- Vaping Isn’t Harmless: E-cigarettes may seem safer, but they still expose your lungs to harmful chemicals and ultra-fine particles. Some vaping devices deliver higher doses of nicotine than cigarettes.
- Secondhand Exposure Matters: People nearby can still inhale harmful chemicals from cigarette smoke or vape clouds. This is especially important in shared spaces like dorms or parties.
- Addiction Risk: Nicotine is highly addictive—even occasional use can quickly become a habit, making it harder to quit over time.
Thinking About Quitting? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you're just starting to think about quitting nicotine or already trying to make a change, the Center for Student Wellbeing is here to support you—judgment-free. We offer confidential substance use consultations to talk through your goals and help you find what works best for you. You can also access the EX Program, a free, online quitting resource designed to help you build skills, track progress, and connect with others. No matter where you are in your decision to quit, you don’t have to do it alone—we’ll help you find the right fit.