Much of the available evidence on nicotine and the developing adolescent brain comes from animal studies. In human studies, it is difficult to isolate the effects of nicotine from other factors, including smoking, other substance use and socioeconomic influences.
Current evidence has not established that nicotine alone causes damage to the developing adolescent brain in humans. Preventing nicotine use among young people remains an important public health objective, while recognising that the risks associated with nicotine should be distinguished from those associated with smoking combustible cigarettes.