Vaping

Vaping refers to the inhalation of vapour produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. It is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but concerns about its safety, particularly for young people, have risen. While many young people might think vaping is harmless, the long-term health risks, especially for the developing lungs of adolescents, are still largely unknown. In addition to nicotine, which can harm brain development in young people, e-cigarettes can contain a variety of harmful chemicals that may increase the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues.

    • Nicotine Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive and can interfere with brain development in young people. It can impair attention, learning, and memory and can increase the risk of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

    • Respiratory Issues: While vaping doesn't produce the tar and many of the harmful chemicals of traditional cigarettes, it still poses risks to lung health. The inhalation of e-cigarette vapour can cause irritation and inflammation in the airways, which could lead to chronic respiratory problems.

    • Increased Risk of Smoking: Research has shown that young people who vape are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes later on. Vaping can serve as a gateway to smoking, which poses additional long-term health risks.

    • Chemical Exposure: Some e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and diacetyl, which can damage lung tissue and have other negative health effects.

  • Vaping has become increasingly popular among young people, with many perceiving it as a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. However, the long-term health effects of vaping, especially for adolescents, are still not fully understood. What started as a trend to help smokers quit has now evolved into a popular habit among non-smokers, particularly young people. This has led to concerns not only about the physical health implications but also about how vaping can affect mental health, the potential risks of vaping substances like cannabis, and even its links to criminal activity.

  • Item descriptionVaping devices, including e-cigarettes and vapes, typically deliver nicotine, flavouring chemicals, and other substances in an aerosolised form. While vaping avoids many of the harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes, it still carries risks, particularly for young, developing bodies. The inhalation of vapour can irritate the airways and may cause long-term respiratory issues. Nicotine, the primary substance in most e-cigarettes, is addictive and harmful to the brain development of young people. It can impact learning, memory, and emotional regulation, which is particularly concerning during the crucial adolescent years.

  • While nicotine is the most commonly vaped substance, the trend of vaping cannabis and other drugs is on the rise. In some cases, young people are vaping cannabis in the form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) oil or concentrates. The use of these substances in vape pens presents additional risks:

    • Mental Health Impact: Cannabis use during adolescence is linked to a higher risk of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Vaping cannabis, especially THC-heavy oils, can increase the likelihood of these effects. Young people who vape cannabis are at greater risk of developing dependency, which can interfere with their social, academic, and emotional development.

    • Increased Vulnerability to Addiction: The use of cannabis and nicotine together can heighten the risk of addiction. As both substances are addictive, vaping both can lead to a more intense dependency. This creates a vicious cycle, as young people may struggle to quit vaping once they’ve become reliant on these substances.

    • Unknown Long-Term Effects: While vaping cannabis might seem safer than smoking marijuana in a traditional way, there is a lack of research on the long-term effects of vaping cannabis oil or other substances. The use of additives, chemicals, and the potency of the substances being vaped could lead to unanticipated health consequences down the road.

  • Vaping, particularly with substances like nicotine or cannabis, can have a profound impact on a young person’s mental health:

    1. Nicotine and Mental Health: Nicotine is a stimulant, and for young people, it can contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings. The constant fluctuation of dopamine levels caused by nicotine can interfere with emotional regulation, leading to heightened stress levels. Young people who vape regularly may develop mood disorders, find it harder to focus, and experience increased irritability.

    2. Psychological Effects of Cannabis Vaping: When vaping cannabis, especially high-THC strains, the risk of experiencing paranoia, anxiety, and even psychosis increases. For adolescents, whose brains are still developing, cannabis can cause a delay in cognitive development and may interfere with academic performance and social interactions.

    3. The Link Between Vaping and Low Self-Esteem: Vaping has been linked to poor body image, particularly in adolescents. The pressures to fit in, look a certain way, and follow trends can lead to low self-esteem, which some young people attempt to cope with by turning to vaping. When vaping becomes a means of social inclusion or an attempt to feel accepted, it can exacerbate underlying mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

  • As vaping becomes more mainstream, especially among young people, concerns about its links to criminal activity are also emerging:

    1. The Role of the Black Market in Cannabis Vaping: With the rise of vaping cannabis, many young people are turning to the black market to purchase THC vape pens, cartridges, or other substances. This leads to the illegal purchase and distribution of controlled substances, exposing young people to criminal activity. Young people involved in vaping cannabis might also be exposed to networks that facilitate illegal drug distribution, increasing the likelihood of further involvement in criminal behaviour.

    2. Unregulated and Harmful Products: As the vaping market grows, some suppliers are producing counterfeit or unregulated vape products. These products may contain harmful chemicals that can have severe health consequences. Young people may unknowingly purchase these illegal or substandard products, putting their health at risk and potentially breaking the law.

    3. Gang Involvement: In some cases, young people who are involved in vaping cannabis may be drawn into criminal gangs that operate in the distribution and sale of illegal drugs. This can lead to further involvement in violent crime, theft, or other criminal activities that are associated with drug trade and trafficking.

    4. Increased Vulnerability to Exploitation: Vulnerable young people who are already struggling with mental health issues or peer pressure may find themselves drawn into the criminal world through their association with people who supply or distribute drugs. Criminal gangs may exploit these young people, grooming them into becoming part of the illicit drug trade.

  • Professionals working with young people must be aware of the risks associated with vaping and its potential links to mental health issues and criminal activity. It’s essential to take a proactive approach in educating young people about the risks of vaping, both with nicotine and cannabis, and provide them with support for their mental health.

    Key interventions include:

    1. Education: Schools and community groups should provide education on the dangers of vaping and the potential long-term effects on physical and mental health. By offering clear and accessible information, we can help young people make more informed decisions about their wellbeing.

    2. Peer Support: Peer mentoring programmes can help young people support one another in making healthier choices and avoiding the pressures of vaping. These programmes can also provide an outlet for discussing mental health struggles and addiction.

    3. Access to Support Services: Professionals should ensure that young people have access to support services for both mental health and substance use. For young people who are struggling with addiction, referral to specialist drug and alcohol services like ABL

    4. Engagement with Families: It’s important for professionals to work closely with families to educate them about the risks of vaping and help parents and guardians communicate with their children about the dangers of nicotine and cannabis use.

  • A Better Life Wirral - Smoking Cessation Service

    At ABL Health, we believe everyone has the right to good health. We are dedicated to reducing health inequalities and promoting healthy behaviours through community-driven healthcare services. Our mission is to help people live healthier, longer, and happier lives.

    Smoking Cessation Service:

    A Better Life Wirral is a smoking cessation service run by ABL Health in partnership with Wirral Council. Our Stop Smoking Service provides individuals with the support they need to quit smoking for good. We help you understand why you smoke, identify and manage cravings, and offer advice to prevent relapse. Our evidence-based 12-week programme offers flexible support, tailored to meet each person’s needs. Every year, we help over 1,500 individuals successfully quit smoking.

    We have extensive experience working with pregnant women, young people, and those with long-term medical or mental health conditions.

    Who is this service for?

    • Individuals who want to quit smoking and live or work in Wirral.

    • Healthcare professionals who wish to refer someone to the service.

    Service Details

    When:
    Our 12-week programme is available with no waiting times, providing flexible, personalised support.

    Where:
    1A Vittoria Court, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 3LE

    Cost:
    The service is completely free, including nicotine replacement therapy.

    How to get involved:

    • Speak to your GP about the service.

    • Contact the service directly for more information or to make a referral.

    • Healthcare professionals can access referral forms.

    We offer tailored support, including one-to-one sessions, drop-in services, and self-help resources, as well as telephone and online support.

    Contact Details:

    • Phone: 0151 541 5656 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

    • Text: ABL to 60777 (free text service)

    • Email: wiccg.ablwirral@nhs.net

    For more information:

Risk Indicators

Understanding the signs and risk indicators of smoking and vaping use in young people is essential for professionals to support them effectively. This tool uses a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to help assess levels of concern based on behaviour, health, and emotional wellbeing.

Low Risk

These indicators suggest that the young person is not currently engaging in smoking or vaping or is using it in a controlled and occasional manner without significant impact on their health or wellbeing.

Increased Risk

There are emerging signs of concern, suggesting the young person may be experimenting with smoking or vaping. While they may not be addicted, their behaviours or associations raise concerns that need monitoring and early intervention.

High Risk

These indicators reflect significant concern, with smoking or vaping posing a serious risk to the young person’s health, safety, and mental wellbeing. Immediate support and intervention are required.

    • No signs of regular or heavy smoking or vaping.

    • They are aware of the risks associated with smoking and vaping.

    • They are in control of their choices and have not experienced peer pressure to smoke or vape.

    • Regular use of cigarettes or vaping products, but not yet addictive.

    • Increased social pressure or curiosity about smoking or vaping.

    • Starting to rely on smoking/vaping to cope with stress or emotional difficulties.

    • Visible changes in health (e.g., coughing, fatigue) or social behaviours (e.g., hanging out with peers who smoke/vape).

    • Experimenting with cannabis or other substances through vaping.

    • Difficulty saying no to peers offering cigarettes or vape products.

    • Regular and persistent smoking or vaping, possibly leading to addiction.

    • Health problems related to smoking or vaping, such as frequent coughing, shortness of breath, or other respiratory issues.

    • Increased reliance on smoking or vaping to manage anxiety, stress, or emotions.

    • Engagement in risky behaviours, such as smoking/vaping in unsafe places or using drugs or alcohol alongside vaping.

    • Withdrawal from family or social activities and frequent isolation.

    • Strong peer pressure and associations with others involved in substance use.

    • Evidence of deteriorating mental health, such as increased anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, associated with smoking or vaping use.

    • Difficulty quitting despite attempts to stop or control the behaviour.

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