Nicotine and Tobacco

On September 1, 2019, the State of Vermont raised the minimum legal age for possession, purchase, and use of tobacco products to 21 years old. This extends to the Middlebury College campus and includes tobacco products, substitutes, paraphernalia, and nicotine delivery systems—including electronic cigarettes.

Please note: When we reference tobacco, we are referring to commercial, for-profit tobacco produced for recreational and habitual use, and not the sacred and traditional tobacco used for ceremonial or medicinal purposes by some communities.

Middlebury College supports this legislation for a number of reasons. The younger people are, the more likely they are to become addicted to nicotine; moreover, 99 percent of tobacco users start smoking before the age of 26 according to the U.S. Surgeon General. It can take a nicotine dependent adult an average of 12 attempts to successfully quit electronic or traditional cigarettes.

Programs

• 802Quits is a program in the State of Vermont that provides free information, support, and guidance over the phone, online, and in person.
• Nicotine Ed
  Nicotine Ed consists of two, individual, 60 minute appointments with a health educator from Health and Wellness Education. Sign up.
• My Story (A Brief AOD Intervention)
  My Story consists of up to four, individual, 60-minute sessions with a provider from Health and Wellness Education to explore your personal relationship with substance use, get individualized feedback, and learn about support services. This program is appropriate for discussion about all substances including the use of alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, psychedelics, opioids, and more.Sign up.

Harm Reduction

Before engaging in substance use of any kind, consider the following:

• Medical conditions that carry elevated risk
• Medications that may cause dangerous interactions
• The safety of the environment (e.g. calm, familiar setting)
• Communication with trusted friends and/or family members
• Emergency plans in the event of an incident

Resources and Support

Note: this list is not a full list of resources available.

• Make an appointment. Talk to a health educator on campus by emailing Health and Wellness Education or visiting our Health Coaching page.
• Visit community resources. The Turning Point Center of Addison County is conveniently located within Middlebury. VT Helplink is a state-level alcohol and drug support center. 
• Contact a national resource center. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a National Helpline (1-800-662-4357).