MIND Online
MIND Online Program
Zsuzsa Meszaros, MD, PhD
Professor of Psychiatry,
SUNY Upstate Medical University
[email protected]
315 464-1705
Support for Nicotine Free Living
Quitting smoking/vaping is the best thing you could do for your health. Even if you are not ready to quit today, we are here to help!
The Motivational Interviewing for Nicotine Dependence – MIND Online support program was created to help you reach your goals.
The MIND Online Support Program is an evidence-based smoking cessation program where Doctors in Training (medical students from Upstate Medical University) will help you to quit or cut back on smoking/vaping.
Here is what you can expect:
- You will receive 8 sessions of one-on-one counseling (motivational interviewing) in 4 weeks, 2 sessions every week
- Each session is 30 min long and is 100% online
- You will receive $20 for making it to the first session
- After each completed session you will receive a raffle ticket to win a $200 Amazon gift card
- Together with your Doctor In Training (a medical student from Upstate Medical University) and the supervising physician, you will develop a personalized quit-smoking plan
- If you are interested, you may receive a prescription for medication to help you quit or cut back on smoking/vaping
Eligibility Criteria
- New York state residents
- over 18 years old
- with nicotine dependence (smoking cigarettes/cigars, vaping nicotine, chewing tobacco)
- who are considering cutting back or quitting nicotine use OR staying smoke/vape/tobacco free after hospital stay
- and have Internet access
- active insurance coverage
- and e-mail address are eligible.
Patients need to be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 30 minutes twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions all together). Sessions are scheduled between 9am-5:30 pm.
Vaping Awareness
Vaping involves using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to inhale aerosols, often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While research on the long-term effects of vaping is still ongoing, there are several known risks associated with this practice:
- Nicotine Addiction: Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Nicotine addiction can lead to dependence and make it challenging to quit vaping or smoking.
- Adverse Effects on the Developing Brain: Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nicotine on brain development. Regular use of e-cigarettes during this crucial period can negatively impact memory, attention, and learning.
- Respiratory and Cardiovascular Issues: Vaping exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles. Long-term inhalation of these substances may cause respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and asthma exacerbation. Additionally, vaping can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Lung Injury: Vaping has been associated with cases of severe lung injury, known as vaping-associated lung injury (VALI) or e-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Unknown Long-Term Health Effects: As e-cigarettes are relatively new products, their long-term health effects are still not fully understood. Continued research is necessary to assess potential risks to various organs and systems in the body.
- Gateway to Smoking: There is concern that vaping may serve as a gateway to traditional smoking, especially among young individuals who were initially attracted to vaping flavors but may later transition to regular cigarettes.
Vaping weed involves inhaling vaporized cannabis products through e-cigarettes or vaporizers. It has gained popularity due to its discreet nature and potentially perceived lower health risks compared to traditional smoking. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping weed.
Risks of Vaping Weed:
- Long-Term Lung Damage: Vaping weed may cause long-term damage to the lungs, similar to smoking. The exposure to heated cannabis compounds and other substances in vaping products can lead to chronic respiratory issues, decreased lung function, and an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over time.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Vaping weed can have immediate effects on the cardiovascular system, such as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Regular use may elevate the risk of heart-related issues, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Unknown Health Risks of Vaping Devices: The long-term health effects of using vaping devices, especially newer and unregulated models, are still not fully understood. The potential risks of exposure to certain chemicals, metals, and other components of the vaping devices remain a concern.
- Impaired Driving and Safety Risks: Vaping weed can impair cognitive function, motor skills, and reaction times, making it unsafe to drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence. Using cannabis before driving increases the risk of accidents and poses a danger to public safety.
- Risk of Vaping-Related Illnesses: Like with vaping other substances, there have been reports of vaping-related illnesses specific to marijuana use. These illnesses may present with symptoms like respiratory distress, fever, and chest pain, and in severe cases, can lead to hospitalization.
- Anxiety and Paranoia: Some individuals may experience heightened anxiety or paranoia after vaping weed, especially with high-THC products. This can be particularly concerning for those predisposed to anxiety disorders or experiencing high-stress situations.
- Mental Health Impact / Psychological Dependence: Frequent and prolonged use of vaping weed can lead to psychological dependence on THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. This dependence may manifest as cravings and difficulties in controlling cannabis use.
