Our top issues

In our fight to end youth and young adult nicotine addiction, we focus on the issues that matter most. We constantly monitor the latest topics and trends in commercial tobacco and substance use.

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Who we are

At Truth Initiative, we envision a future free from nicotine addiction—a future that fosters healthier lives and a more resilient nation. We are the nation’s largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all.

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Research & resources

Get the latest facts and analyses on the most important issues related to smoking, vaping, nicotine and substance use.

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What we do

By driving behavior and policy change, we prevent addiction, increase quitting, reduce nicotine dependence, and expand cessation support and access. All backed by rigorous research and evaluation.

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Get involved

Join us in preventing youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empowering quitting for all. Learn about how you can help create a future free from nicotine addiction through activism, scholarships, studies, and more. Let’s work together.

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Pride + Progress

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An affirming, stigma-free journey toward freedom from nicotine addiction

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Community Coalition

Pride + Progress – part of the Culture + Cessation Collective – is a coalition of community leaders focused on providing safe spaces, meaningful conversations, and actionable resources to help LGBTQ+ communities break free from nicotine addiction. Recognizing the unique stressors, discrimination, and targeted marketing that have contributed to higher tobacco use in LGBTQ+ communities, this coalition fosters an inclusive space for healing and resilience. By collaborating with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, mental health professionals, and cessation experts, Pride + Progress ensures that quitting is an affirming, stigma-free journey.

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Tobacco use and nicotine addiction

LGBTQ+ communities are disproportionately impacted by tobacco due to a combination of factors, including a history of targeted marketing from the tobacco industry, stigma, and discrimination.

  • LGBTQ+ youth and adults use tobacco products at a higher prevalence than their cisgender and heterosexual peers.
  • 43% of transgender and gender diverse adults smoke, compared to 19.2% of cisgender adults.
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