Exam Breaks for Addiction: Student in A&E Due to Exam-Related Stress

Exam Breaks for Addiction: Student in A&E Due to Exam-Related Stress

Vaping on the Rise: A Deep dive into Health Risks and Addiction

Table of Contents

Across the UK, the sight of vapor clouds is becoming increasingly common, raising concerns about the long-term health implications of vaping, especially among young adults. While seen by some as a safer choice too traditional cigarettes, recent research suggests that vaping carries its own significant risks.

The Vaping Landscape: A National Overview

While smoking rates in the UK have steadily declined, vaping has seen a surge in popularity.Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) reports that 5.6 million adults in Britain currently vape, including three million former smokers and 2.2 million current smokers.

Concerns Mount Over Long-Term Health Effects

While e-cigarettes have gained traction as a smoking cessation tool, experts caution that the long-term health risks remain largely unknown. Prof Sir Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, succinctly advises, “If you don’t smoke, don’t vape.” This cautionary stance is fueled by emerging research highlighting potential dangers.

Manchester Metropolitan University Study: Unveiling the Risks

A groundbreaking study at Manchester Metropolitan university (MMU), led by Dr. Maxime Boidin, is investigating the long-term effects of vaping. Preliminary findings suggest that vaping could pose serious health risks, potentially leading to cognitive dysfunction and cardiovascular issues, according to a press release by MMU in January,2024.

The study, expected to conclude in March, has already revealed that both smokers and vapers exhibit damaged artery walls and impaired blood flow. Dr. Boidin attributes this to nicotine, metals, and chemicals present in vapes, warning that this could elevate the risk of cognitive decline, including dementia.

Personal Accounts: The Struggle with Vaping Addiction

The Manchester Evening News interviewed individuals grappling with vaping addiction, shedding light on the challenges they face.

“I feel like I haven’t achieved anything”

suzie Michelle, 44, who switched to vaping from smoking a year ago, shared her struggles: “I’m finding it harder to give up than the cigs,” she told the Manchester Evening News. “I’m thinking, ‘why is it so hard to give it up?’ What’s in them?”

she experiences physical discomfort, noting, “I feel like I have always got a bit of a groggy throat. I wake up and my throat is sore, feeling phlegmy and scratchy. I can only put that down to the vaping.”

Echoing the sentiment of many vapers, Suzie admits, “I feel like I’ve just replaced one thing with another…Yes I have given up the cigs, but I’m still in the same situation, just with a different product.” A recent study published in “Nicotine & tobacco research” (2023) highlights the psychological dependence associated with vaping, further emphasizing the challenges of quitting.

Vaping in Schools: A Growing epidemic

The rising popularity of vaping among young people is a significant concern. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) data indicates that eight percent of vapers in Britain have never smoked,representing approximately 440,000 individuals. The easy accessibility and appealing flavors of vapes contribute to their allure for underage users.

Addressing the Vaping Crisis: What Needs to Change?

The growing evidence of potential health risks and the increasing rates of vaping, especially among young people, call for urgent action. Key strategies include:

  • Enhanced Regulation: Implementing stricter regulations on the marketing and sale of vapes, particularly those targeting young audiences.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public,especially young people,about the potential health risks associated with vaping,correcting the misconception that it is a harmless alternative to smoking.
  • Increased Support for Quitting: Providing accessible and effective resources for individuals seeking to quit vaping, mirroring the support available for smoking cessation.
  • Further Research: Investing in extensive research to fully understand the long-term health effects of vaping and inform evidence-based policies.

Call to Action

Vaping is not a harmless habit. The evidence is mounting, and the potential long-term health consequences are concerning. If you are considering vaping,think again.If you are currently vaping, seek support to quit. Your health and well-being are worth it. For resources and support on quitting vaping, visit the CDC’s website.

Vaping Crisis: Schools grapple with Student Nicotine Addiction and health Risks

Schools across Greater Manchester are facing a growing crisis as vaping among students becomes increasingly prevalent, leading to addiction and health concerns. Headteachers and health experts are sounding the alarm,calling for stricter regulations and increased awareness to combat this alarming trend.

The Reality of Vaping Addiction in Schools

Glyn Potts, headteacher at Newman RC College in Chadderton, highlights the severity of the issue, noting that some students are becoming “addicted” to e-cigarettes. He recounted an incident where a student required special accommodations during exams due to nicotine addiction.

“This time last year I was dealing with a young person that wanted breaks during exams so he could vape,” Potts explained.“We can’t do that. but it got to the point where the doctor diagnosed him with addiction to nicotine.”

This diagnosis forced the school to make adjustments, underscoring the real impact of vaping addiction on students’ lives.Additionally, Potts noted that regular vaping has affected students’ mental health, with many reporting issues with sleep and overall demeanor.

“Where we have had young people using these devices regularly, they are recognising their sleep, or demeanour, or mental health have been affected – and these are just the nicotine vapes, not the spice ones,” Potts added, emphasizing the potential dangers of unregulated substances.

Harmful Vapes and Emergency Situations

The use of illicit vapes is another significant concern,with some containing high levels of nicotine or synthetic cannabinoids like spice. Potts has previously spoken about a 12-year-old pupil who collapsed after inhaling from a vape at the school gates, requiring urgent medical attention.

Other schools have also reported similar incidents. St Ambrose Barlow RC High school in Salford had two students collapse after using spice-laced vapes.These cases underscore the severe and immediate health risks associated with unregulated vaping products.

Personal Tragedies: A Mother’s Warning

Rebecca Chesworth, a mother from Wigan, shared her harrowing experience after her son Nathan suffered a collapsed lung from using a vape. “We only found out he was vaping after it nearly killed him. He said he’d done it to fit in because so many other friends were. But he thought it was safe,” she told the media. Nathan’s other lung collapsed two weeks later,highlighting the devastating and rapid health consequences of vaping.

Calls for Stricter Regulations and Awareness

Schools are actively raising awareness about the dangers of vaping, but Potts believes that government intervention is necessary to curb the habit among young people. He advocates for measures such as addressing the packaging and targeting unscrupulous sellers who market vapes to minors.

“I don’t imagine a 54-year-old lorry driver is asking for ‘baby spice vapes’,” Potts pointed out, underscoring the targeted marketing tactics aimed at young, impressionable consumers.

Potts also stresses the need for more research to provide accurate details about the risks of vaping. The current information landscape is often filled with misinformation, such as concerns about “popcorn lung,” which the NHS clarifies is not a significant risk in the UK due to regulations against diacetyl in e-cigarettes.

“We need these studies to allow us to challenge perceptions and make people aware of the risks,” Potts stated.

Expert Opinions on vaping Habits

Dr. Maxime Boidin shares concerns about the ease of use and accessibility of vapes, which can lead to continuous vaping habits. “Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going,” Boidin explained. “But with vapes you just keep going and it’s much harder to know how many puffs you’ve had. It’s much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable.”

This continuous usage makes it harder for users to monitor their nicotine intake, increasing the potential for addiction and adverse health effects.

Vaping Under Scrutiny: Health Concerns and Addiction

Emerging research and personal accounts are raising concerns about the health impacts of vaping, even as many use e-cigarettes as a tool to quit smoking. A recent study highlights potential cardiovascular risks, while individuals share their experiences of unexpected side effects and increased addiction.

The Research: Damaged Arteries and Cardiovascular Risks

A study conducted at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is exploring the long-term effects of vaping. Participants aged 18 to 45 underwent stress tests to measure the elasticity of their blood vessels and the speed of blood flow to their brains. The study found that both smokers and vapers exhibited a “flat reading,” indicating damaged artery walls that can no longer dilate. Dr. Maxime Boidin, who is leading the research, considers this an “almost certain sign” of future cardiovascular problems.

The study participants were instructed to only consume water in the 12 hours prior to testing and were banned from vaping,smoking or exercising.

Personal Experiences: shortness of breath and increased Addiction

Beyond the clinical findings,individuals are sharing their personal experiences with vaping,revealing a range of unexpected side effects and challenges. Jack Connor, 28, who vaped from 2019 to 2022 and then picked it up again before quitting this year, described his experience. “I’ve ‘quit’ about 500 times,” he quipped. He found that vaping was often driven by boredom, rather than a genuine craving.”For me it was about having something to do with my hands,” he told. “I was doing it out of boredom, rather than actually wanting to do it.”

Connor also reported experiencing random bouts of shortness of breath. “There would be some times when I wasn’t doing anything, like when driving, and I would get short of breath if I had been vaping.It was just random.” He also noted that disposable vapes were “way worse” than reusable ones, adding, “the sweet ones, you can feel it in your mouth, the sugary taste.You can tell it’s not good for you.”

Addiction Concerns: Vaping More Than Smoking

Several individuals have expressed concerns about becoming more addicted to vaping than they were to smoking, citing increased usage and negative physical effects. One person admitted, “I vape like a chimney now and in the morning it’s like waking up with the worst sore throat ever, then goes away after a few puffs.” Another shared, “I am more addicted to vaping than I was as an average smoker. My lungs wheezing is becoming a problem.”

Expert Opinion: Vaping as a Transition Tool

dr. Boidin suggests that vaping could be a useful tool for smoking cessation, but only for a limited time.”The only benefit of vaping is to help people quit smoking, but if they keep vaping the result is going to be the same.” He proposes that “doctors should be able to prescribe vapes for a certain time, so they could be used as a transition tool, but only for a short time.”

He also warned of a potential future health crisis if action is not taken. “”We now know the long-term effects of vaping, and if we don’t act now we will see a health emergency in the next 10, 15 years.”

Actionable Advice: Quitting and Seeking Support

If you are concerned about your vaping habits,consider the following:

  • Set a Quit Date: Choose a specific date to stop vaping and stick to it.
  • Identify Triggers: Recognize situations or emotions that make you want to vape and develop strategies to cope with them.
  • Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a healthcare professional about your decision to quit. Consider joining a support group or online forum.
  • Explore Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Consult a doctor about using nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to manage withdrawal symptoms.
  • Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity to help reduce cravings and improve your overall health.

Recent Developments in Vaping Regulation

In response to growing concerns about youth vaping, several countries are implementing stricter regulations on the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been cracking down on flavored e-cigarettes that are appealing to teenagers [1]. Some countries have even banned the sale of vapes entirely [2].

Conclusion

While vaping may offer a pathway to quitting smoking for some, it is indeed not without its risks. Emerging research and personal accounts highlight potential cardiovascular problems, increased addiction, and other negative health effects.By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to quit, individuals can protect their health and well-being.

New York State AG Sues Major Vape Distributors amid Rising Health Concerns

In a significant move to curb youth vaping and address regulatory loopholes, the New York State Attorney General (AG) filed a lawsuit on Feb. 21, 2025, against major vape distributors. This action underscores the state’s commitment to protecting public health and preventing the proliferation of vaping products among underage individuals.

Details of the Lawsuit

the lawsuit targets several major distributors, alleging they have knowingly circumvented state laws designed to prevent youth access to vaping products. These alleged violations include:

  • Illegal Marketing Practices: distributors are accused of employing marketing strategies that appeal directly to underage individuals, such as using cartoon characters, sweet flavors, and social media campaigns.
  • Evasion of Age Verification: The lawsuit claims that distributors failed to adequately verify the age of purchasers, leading to widespread sales of vaping products to minors.
  • Sale of Unapproved Products: Some distributors are accused of selling vaping products that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raising concerns about product safety and quality. [1]

Government Tackles Vaping with New Legislation

Building on concerns, last November, the Government introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament. Alongside plans for a ‘smoke-free generation’, new legislation aims to ban vapes from being deliberately promoted to children and introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of vapes, alongside tobacco and nicotine products.

Expert Opinions and Health Implications

Health organizations have long voiced concerns about the potential health risks associated with vaping, particularly among young people. Vaping can lead to nicotine addiction, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of transitioning to traditional cigarettes, according to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). [2]

Jonathan Blades, Head of Policy at Asthma + Lung UK, stated: “The number of non-smokers, particularly young people, taking up vaping is extremely worrying.” He further noted, “The long-term impact of vaping on the lungs isn’t yet known, so research into its effect on young people, is really important.”

Blades also highlighted a more immediate concern, saying, “It is already known that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, and people with asthma have told us that vapes can trigger their condition.”

broader implications and future Outlook

The New York AG’s lawsuit is part of a broader national effort to regulate the vaping industry and protect public health.Several other states are considering similar legal actions, and the FDA has stepped up its enforcement efforts against companies that market vaping products to underage individuals. [3]

This regulatory push comes at a critical time,as vaping rates among young people remain stubbornly high. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, millions of middle and high school students report using e-cigarettes regularly. [4]

Actionable Advice for Parents and Educators

  • Educate yourself: Stay informed about the risks of vaping and the latest developments in vaping regulations.
  • Talk to Your Children: Have open and honest conversations with your children about the dangers of vaping and the tactics used by vaping companies to target young people.
  • Support School Policies: Advocate for strong school policies that prohibit vaping and provide resources for students who want to quit.
  • Seek Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with nicotine addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist.

Vaping Restrictions: an Important Step

With concerns growing, there is some good news.Blades explains, “The upcoming legislation restricting vape flavours and packaging that appeal directly to young people, is an important step in tackling youth vaping along with a ban on cheap disposable vapes.”

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by the New York State AG against major vape distributors marks a critical step in the ongoing battle to protect public health and curb youth vaping and underscores the importance of ongoing research into the long-term effects of vaping, especially on young people. As regulatory efforts intensify and public awareness grows, it is indeed crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to address this pressing public health issue. Stay informed, take action, and help create a healthier future for our youth.

Could a harm reduction strategy focused on less harmful vaping devices and flavours with stricter regulations be more effective than a complete ban in reducing smoking-related deaths?

Archyde Interview: Dr. Anya Sharma on Vaping Health Risks & Regulation

The rise of vaping has sparked considerable debate and concern across the UK.Today, we speak with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading public health researcher specializing in respiratory health and nicotine addiction, to delve into the latest findings and explore the future of vaping regulation.

Understanding the Scope of the Vaping Issue

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. The Vaping is going through a real crisis and recent reports indicate a significant increase in vaping, especially among young adults. What are the key factors driving this trend?

dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. Several elements contribute to vaping’s increasing prevalence and popularity. Aggressive marketing tactics, especially targeting younger demographics with appealing flavors and social media campaigns, play a significant role. Also, the misconception of e-cigarettes being a harmless choice to traditional cigarettes is a major driver. Then you can also find that many see vaping as a fashionable habit.

The Manchester Metropolitan University Study

Archyde: The Manchester Metropolitan University study, led by Dr. Maxime Boidin, has raised concerns about cardiovascular risks associated with vaping. Can you elaborate on these findings?

Dr. Sharma: Dr. Boidin’s research is indeed alarming. It suggests that vaping can damage artery walls and impair healthy blood flow, perhaps leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk, which is a major risk for frequent vapers over time.

Vaping Addiction and Personal Experiences

Archyde: Many individuals are reporting increased addiction to vaping compared to traditional cigarettes.Why is this the case?

Dr. Sharma: Vapes often deliver nicotine more efficiently than cigarettes, and the availability of vaping, being able to do it more often, can contribute to stronger nicotine dependence. The ease of use and discreet nature of vapes allow for continuous vaping, making it harder to regulate nicotine intake.

The Rise of Vaping in Schools and Youth Addiction

Archyde: Schools are struggling with a vaping epidemic among students. What measures can be implemented to address this crisis effectively?

Dr. Sharma: We need a multi-pronged approach. Schools should implement complete education programs on the risks of vaping, coupled with strict enforcement of regulations prohibiting vaping on school property. Collaboration with parents and healthcare professionals is crucial. We need to reduce exposure to pro-vaping rhetoric.

Regulatory Action and Government Bills

Archyde: The New York State Attorney General recently filed a lawsuit against major vape distributors. What impact could such legal actions have on curbing youth vaping?

dr. Sharma: These lawsuits send a powerful message that companies will be held accountable for marketing practices that target young people unfairly or ignore legal constraints. It can deter similar behavior and prompts the need for stricter regulation in other states to curb the easy access to vapes.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Vaping

Archyde: Considering the rising health concerns and addiction issues, what are the next steps needed to mitigate the vaping crisis?

Dr. Sharma: Increased public awareness campaigns are essential to inform people, especially young individuals, about the real risks of vaping. Further research is crucial to comprehend the long-term health impacts fully. providing accessible resources for those seeking to quit vaping is vital.

A Thought Provoking Question

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, a final question and one to invite thought and debate. knowing what we know now about vaping, should it have ever been introduced to the market, even as a smoking cessation tool? We encourage our readers to share their thoughts in the comments below.

Dr. Sharma: That’s profoundly debateable.while it offered promise in one direction, the overall effect is concerning. We can’t un-ring this bell, so our focus must be on mitigation, harm reduction, and education. It also should’ve gone through more testing before mass consumption.

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your insights with us. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate this complex public health issue.

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