OasisLMS

MERRILL A. NORTON, Pharm. D., D.Ph., CMAC, CCS Dr. Merrill Norton is an EMMY winning Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy with his specialty areas to include psychopharmacology and addiction pharmacy. He was most recently honored by the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association’s Board of Directors and Certification Board with being bestowed the first Certified Master Addiction Counselor (CMAC) credential in the state. His recently updated book, Understanding Substance Use Disorders Pharmacology, has been used to train thousands of mental health professionals nationally and his latest book, and The Pharmacist’s Guide to Opioid Use Disorders was released in December 2018. Dr. Norton completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. He accomplished a three-year addiction medicine fellowship under the direction of Douglas Talbott MD at Ridgeview Institute and has state, national, and international credentials in the treatment of mentally ill/addicted/chronic pain individuals. He has also been a faculty member of the Fairleigh-Dickinson University Postdoctoral Training Program in the Masters of Psychopharmacology, Alliant International University of San Francisco College of Psychology, University of Georgia School of Continuing Education, and Berry College in the areas of Psychopharmacology and Addiction Pharmacy. His areas of specialty in addiction pharmacy are the management of chronic pain in the substance use disordered patient and the neuroscience of substance use disorders. Since his recent retirement from UGA , Dr. Norton’s primary focus is to provide the latest scientific information to communities, educators, healthcare professionals, prevention specialists, treatment providers, and especially families, on the diseases of substance use disorders.

This session provides an overview of current trends in tobacco and vaping use among youth and the associated health risks. Participants will review recent statistics on youth’s use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, flavored vaping products, and marijuana oil vaping. The presentation will also distinguish among the types of tobacco and vaping devices most commonly used by adolescents. A key focus will be the effects of nicotine and other vape-related chemicals on the developing adolescent brain and body, including impacts on attention, mood regulation, and long-term addiction risk. Additionally, the session will address maternal health considerations, highlighting the risks associated with tobacco and e-cigarette use during pregnancy and their potential effects on fetal development. By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of emerging trends, product types, and the biological and health consequences of youth tobacco and vaping exposure.

1. • Interpret recent youth statistics on vaping and tobacco use, including flavored and marijuana‑oil vaping trends.
   • Differentiate among types of tobacco and vaping products popular with youth.
   • Explain the specific effects of nicotine and vape-related compounds on the developing adolescent brain and body.
   • Describe maternal health risks associated with tobacco and e‑cigarette use during pregnancy.