WI Wins is a science-based,
sensible strategy with a strong track record. Designed to tackle illegal sales
of tobacco to minors and youth tobacco use, it offers the opportunity for
everyone in the community to join in the fight to protect our youth from one
of the most readily available and harmful substances out there.
Why WI Wins is Important
Early tobacco use is the key predictor of many serious youth problems that
communities face. Some people think tobacco use is no big deal in terms of
youth problem behaviors but a study of over 10,000 youth nationally shows
the links between headline community problems and youth tobacco use. Tobacco
is a key gateway drug. Through brain scan and genetic studies, scientists
discovered that tobacco use primes the brains of many teens for drug use.
Nicotine stimulates the same pleasure centers in the brain as cocaine and
other opiates. Not all kids who use tobacco develop serious problems. However,
very few kids having serious problems with addiction, delinquency, sexual
behavior, or crime do not smoke. Developing an effective plan to reduce illegal
access to tobacco by minors is an important part of a comprehensive strategy
to reduce serious youth problems in our community.