Tobacco

It is illegal in the State of South Dakota for persons under the age of 18 to possess, smoke, chew, or ingest tobacco products.

DID YOU KNOW?

• A hit of nicotine reaches the brain in seven seconds, twice as fast as a syringe of heroine injected into the vein.
• Nicotine affects your mood, ability to concentrate, and performance.
• Tolerance to nicotine begins with the first dose.
• Nicotine increases the heartbeat and the rate of breathing.
• Nicotine may act like a stimulant or a depressant depending on many factors.

WITHDRAWAL MAY CAUSE –

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Craving for sweets
• Change in appetite

For more information on the dangers of tobacco and the health factors related to smoking, chewing, etc., call:

• Northern Hills Tobacco Education Coalition
  • (605) 347-2991
• Tobacco Education Program
  • (605) 347-2991
• Drug-Free Schools
  • (605) 347-4454

What is the penalty if someone under 18 is cited for using tobacco?
The maximum fine for someone under the age of 18 possessing, smoking, chewing, or ingesting tobacco in South Dakota is a maximum fine of $200 and/or 30 days in jail. In Meade County (Sturgis area) the State’s Attorney’s office gives the youth the option of attending the Tobacco Education Class held at the Meade county courthouse as an alternative to being charged with the offense. The youth must pay for the cost of the class which is $50. If the youth chooses not to attend or fails to successfully complete the class, the State’s Attorney’s office will proceed with charges and recommend to the Court that the maximum $200 fine be imposed.

The possession or consumption of tobacco products by an underage youth is a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

Why do teens smoke?
Youth have needs, wants, and desires that feel all consuming at times. Tens believe that tobacco use helps them meet some of their needs. They believe smoking meets their needs because of the messages they get from advertising, from peer pressure, and from their own experience.

Do most teens smoke?
No. Smokers are not a cross section of the teen population. By age 18, about 25% of all tens smoke. However, 75% DO NOT smoke.

Generally, those who smoke share one or more of he following characteristics: lower levels of school achievement; fewer skills to resist pressure to use tobacco; friends and family who use tobacco; lower self-images; are less likely to have plans for continuing their education; are more likely to use other drugs including alcohol; and are more likely to have other encounters with law enforcement.

Like most teens, they share a feeling of immortality and the belief that they can change tomorrow and that tomorrow is soon enough.

What are the immediate benefits of quitting smoking and/or chewing?

• Hair, clothing, and breath will not smell.
• You will have money for things other than cigarettes.
• Your complexion will improve.
• You will not have to leave restaurants, parties, and people’s houses to smoke.
• Within 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.
• In 24 hours, your risk of heart attack starts to drop.
• In two days, your senses of smell and taste improve.
• In three days, breathing gets easier and lung capacity increases.
• Within two weeks to three months, your circulation gets better.
• Within one to nine months, coughing, sinus problems, and shortness of breath decrease, and you have more energy.

Tips to help you stop smoking

• Set a date to quit
• Remove cigarettes, ashtrays matches, and lighters from your home, purse, and car
• Keep a supply of low calorie snacks handy
• Spend more time around people who do not smoke
• Tell everyone you are going to stop smoking
• Plan what you will do instead of smoking

Call a friend or a professional person if you need help