As recovery specialists at Rise Recovery, we see firsthand how substance use—including vaping—affects the health, development, and well-being of young people. That’s why we fully support the City of San Antonio’s amendment to the Smoking Ordinance, which now includes electronic smoking devices (ESDs), such as vapes and e-cigarettes.

Starting January 1, 2025, vaping will be prohibited in the same public spaces where smoking is already prohibited. This is a huge step forward in protecting our community—especially teens and young adults—from addictive chemicals.

Why This Matters for Teens & Young Adults

Vaping has been aggressively marketed as a “safer alternative” to smoking, but the reality is much different. Many vape products contain high levels of nicotine, harmful chemicals, and even substances with unknown consequences. Vaping is a serious risk to young people, compromising their lung health and brain development. At Rise Recovery, we’ve seen too many teens develop a dependence on substances that began with vaping, unaware of its long-term consequences.

This ordinance helps combat the normalization of vaping for youth in public spaces. By restricting where vaping is allowed, San Antonio is sending a clear message: nicotine use—whether through smoking or vaping—does not belong in environments where young people live, learn, and gather.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Our Community

Beyond direct users, secondhand vape exposure is a real concern. Just like cigarette smoke, vape aerosol contains toxic chemicals that affect bystanders, including children, families, and employees working in public places. With this amendment, San Antonio is prioritizing public health and reinforcing efforts that prevent youth from being exposed to vaping behaviors in the first place.

This isn’t just a policy change—it’s a community commitment to protecting the future of our youth. At Rise Recovery, we continue to educate families and teens about the dangers of vaping while offering support, resources, and peer-driven recovery programs for those who want to break free from nicotine dependence.

If you or a loved one needs support, Rise Recovery is here to help. Together, we can create a safer, healthier future for San Antonio’s youth.