Spiked vapes in schools: Alarming levels of Spice found
Alarming findings from English schools where 1 in 6 vapes were found spiked with a dangerous synthetic drug “Spice”.
Exploring the vaping crisis in English schools
Recent research by the University of Bath, uncovered that one in six vapes confiscated in schools contained the synthetic drug commonly referred to as the ‘zombie drug’ or spice.
This drug is known for its severe side effects, including the risk of heart attacks, seizures, and psychotic episodes.
The growth in youth vaping has been of great concern for many years. In The UK, 21% of 11-17 year olds have vaped in 2022 compared with only 5% in 2013 it is estimated that the equivalent of a secondary school a day vape every day.
The Study’s findings
The study involved testing 596 vapes confiscated across schools in London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and South Round Yorkshire.
Astonishingly, spice was detected in vapes from 28 out of the 38 schools tested, marking a significant infiltration of this substance within the student community.
This research highlights a critical public health concern, as approximately 16.6% of these devices contained spice, while a negligible amount showed traces of THC, and one lone device was found to have heroin.
Responses and actions
The findings have prompted a wake-up call among educational and health officials.
Chris Pudney, the professor responsible for developing the testing device, expressed shock at the prevalence of spice in these vapes.
The reality that these devices often do not appear suspicious and are confiscated during routine school activities underscores the stealthy nature of this issue.
In London, Police have been warning about this for some time as we have previously reported.
Officials are calling for parents and guardians to engage in open discussions with their children about the dangers of unregulated vapes.
The government has also responded by initiating measures to reduce the appeal of vapes to young individuals and has stepped up enforcement against illegal vape suppliers but this response has been very slow as we have warned of the marketing to young people and the dangers of vaping & illegal vapes for many years.
Comment by Allen Carr’s Easyway
At Allen Carr’s Easyway, we are deeply concerned about these findings.
Every year we see thousands of smokers and thousands of vapers who we help to freedom with our drug free one day seminar. The increasing numbers of people addicted to only vaping over the last ten years is of significant concern as is the mixing with concealed other drugs.
We’ve been warning for years that young people will get drawn into nicotine addiction as a result of lack of regulation, marketing techniques employed and now this study shows concealed drugs in vapes increasing still further the risks.
To help young people, parents and schools we are launching a new mini site to answer questions, give support and help young people to freedom.
Our method helps individuals understand the nicotine trap and that there is no benefit to vaping especially as they unknowingly ingest dangerous drugs like spice.
Support, education and open conversation are critical in combating these dangers.
