A recent investigation has revealed a shocking surge in vape-spiking incidents involving children, with cases increasing seven-fold since 2021. This disturbing trend highlights the dangers of contaminated vaping devices, often laced with dangerous substances like Spice, a synthetic drug known to cause severe health issues, including temporary paralysis.
A Surge in Vape Spiking Incidents
More than a dozen children in 2023 were found to have used vapes contaminated with substances like Spice. Reports show that vape spiking incidents in the first five months of 2024 alone are close to matching the total number of cases seen in 2023. Over the past three years, 3,000 children have fallen victim to vape spiking, either through contaminated vapes or drinks laced with Spice.
Harrowing Testimonies from Schools
Headteachers have reported incidents of students being rushed to hospitals after inhaling spiked vapes, experiencing symptoms such as dissociation, paranoia, and even psychosis. In some cases, children’s heart rates skyrocketed to dangerous levels, requiring emergency medical intervention. One headteacher described how two 14-year-olds collapsed after using spiked vapes, while another recounted a student hallucinating and feeling as though they couldn’t control their own hands.
Alarming Data from Police Reports
Police forces in England and Wales, under freedom of information laws, revealed that recorded vape spiking incidents have quadrupled since 2022. While only a few cases were reported in 2020 and 2021, the number surged to 14 in 2023. By May of 2024, ten more incidents had already been logged, indicating a growing crisis.
The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs in Vapes
Many teenagers unknowingly purchase vapes they believe contain THC or nicotine, only to find them laced with dangerous synthetic drugs. In one shocking incident in Eltham, five teenagers were rushed to the hospital after using a vape thought to be spiked with Spice. Another child in Teesside had to be treated for an opiate overdose after using a spiked vape.
The Impact on Children’s Health
Vape spiking has led to severe health issues among children, including heart problems, psychosis, and even life-threatening reactions. Experts warn that fake vapes often lack essential production details, making it difficult for consumers to identify contaminated products. Symptoms of vape spiking can include shortness of breath, nausea, coughing, and fatigue, prompting those affected to seek immediate medical attention.
The Growing Prevalence of Spiked Vapes
Reports nationwide have pointed to an increase in vapes spiked with drugs such as GHB, ketamine, rohypnol, and synthetic cannabis like Spice and Black Mamba. One festival-goer, Chloe Hammerton, recounted collapsing and experiencing seizures after unknowingly taking a puff from a stranger’s spiked vape. She lost consciousness and was unable to speak or move, a terrifying experience that highlights the dangers of spiked vapes.
The Challenge of Tracking Spiking Incidents
Spiking is not classified as a standalone offense, making it challenging to collect and analyze data on incidents. A survey by the charity Stamp Out Spiking suggests that around 97 percent of spiking incidents go unreported to the police. Authorities believe that vape spiking involving young children may be considered child protection issues, further complicating data collection.
The Rise of E-Cigarette Use Among Youth
The proportion of children using e-cigarettes has dramatically increased, with more than a third of 16 to 18-year-olds regularly vaping, compared to less than one in ten a decade ago. Despite the ban on sales of vapes to under-18s, enforcement has been inconsistent, and campaigners blame manufacturers for targeting kids with colorful packaging and sweet flavors like bubblegum and cotton candy.
Government Efforts to Combat Vape Spiking
In response to the growing crisis, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to ban disposable e-cigarettes, while current Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to restrict vape flavors and marketing. New regulations could see vapes displayed in plain packaging and moved away from products like sweets in shops. Council officers will also be empowered to issue on-the-spot fines to retailers caught selling vapes to minors.
International Efforts to Restrict Vapes
Countries like Germany, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are also taking steps to limit the availability of vapes, with measures ranging from outright bans on disposable e-cigarettes to requiring prescriptions for purchase. New Zealand has introduced restrictions preventing vape shops from being within 300 meters of schools and mandating removable batteries in all devices.
The Hidden Dangers of Vaping
While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, they come with their own risks. Vapes deliver nicotine through vaporized liquid, which, while free from tobacco and tar, still poses significant health risks. Nicotine can increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, and constrict blood vessels, leading to long-term cardiovascular damage.
Adverse Health Effects Linked to Vaping
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has received over 1,000 reports of adverse effects linked to vaping, including five fatal incidents. These reports include a range of symptoms, from headaches to strokes, underscoring the potential dangers of vaping.
As the number of vape spiking incidents continues to rise, parents, educators, and authorities must remain vigilant in protecting young people from the hidden dangers of vaping. The need for stronger regulations and public awareness has never been more urgent.
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