Substance Abuse & Vaping: Keeping your teen safe this summer
Substance abuse and vaping are critical issues affecting young people today, with the 2023 Action on Smoking and Health survey showing that a shocking one in five 11-17 year olds have tried vaping.
In this week’s session, we talked to Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, Founder and Director of drug education charity, The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, set up in response to the tragic death of Fiona’s son from ecstasy. Fiona discussed the substances available to young people today, the importance of education and access to information, and strategies for parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about these issues.
Common Substances and Their Impact
Fiona shared that surveys conducted by the foundation across over 750 schools reveal consistent trends in substance use among 15 to 18-year-olds. The top substances include:
Vaping
Alcohol
Cannabis
Cigarettes
Cannabis Edibles
Other substances like nitrous oxide, ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, magic mushrooms, steroids, and LSD also appear, though less frequently.
Emerging Trends
Nicotine pouches and THC vapes are recent additions to the landscape. Nicotine pouches, though not new, have gained popularity due to the lack of age regulation that makes them easily accessible. THC vapes, often containing synthetic THC, pose significant risks, including hospitalizations.
Addressing Substance Use
Fiona emphasises the importance of realistic education about the effects and risks of substances. The media often portrays extreme cases, which may not resonate with young people. Instead, providing accurate, age-appropriate information about categories of substances and their unpredictable effects (especially when sourced illegally), plus helping teens develop skills to manage peer pressure and decision-making is crucial.
Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
Spotting the Signs and Symptoms - Parents should be vigilant for changes in behaviour, social isolation, shifts in friendship groups, and physical changes like rapid weight loss or muscle gain. Schools can play a role in identifying and addressing these signs.
Have Open Conversations - Open, non-judgmental conversations are key. Encouraging young people to research and understand the risks themselves can be more effective than direct warnings. Be curious when talking to teens and maintain a focus on safety.
Be Prepared for Social Situations - Events such as festivals are high-risk environments for substance use. Talk to your teen, discussing the likelihood of encountering drugs and alcohol, the importance of staying hydrated, and knowing where medical help is located. Make sure they know you’ll be there to help remove them from any situation if they need to.
Fiona's key message is the importance of consistent, loving support. Ensuring young people know they can come to their parents with anything, anytime, is crucial for their well-being.
"Be a broken record about how much you love them, and how there is absolutely nothing that they could ever say or do that could even dent the love that you've got for them."
Find out more about the DSM Foundation and the work they do here
Watch the full session by registering or logging into the hub here