UC Santa Barbara Student Launches Largest Youth-Led Anti-Vaping Nonprofit in U.S.
Deep Breath Initiative Helps Students, Parents, Teachers, and Administrators Address Problem at Home and on Campus
The Deep Breath Initiative holds "Bridge-the-Gap Seminars," as Aadhav Rajesh is seen speaking here, to work with parents and administrators to bridge the communication gap between teenagers struggling with addiction and adults with the power to help them. | Credit: Courtesy
Aadhav Rajesh, a current student at UC Santa Barbara, was shocked when, as a high school student, he found out his friend was secretly addicted to vaping.
“I could see he felt so helpless about it, despite being someone so put together and resolute in his other endeavors,” Rajesh said.
He couldn’t blame him: Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine and heroin, and vapes often contain even higher concentrations than cigarettes. They’re also marketed to appeal to youth.
