Pastoral Care
Clear Minds, Healthy Lives: Choose Vape Free
How to Spot A Vaping Problem
Many young people who are unaware of the high nicotine content of vapes (even those labelled nicotine free) have become unintentionally addicted to nicotine.
Nicotine can trigger brain changes that make people, particularly young people, crave more nicotine. Until about the age of 25, the brain is still developing and each time a new behaviour or skill is learnt it builds a stronger connection. Addiction is a learnt behaviour, which means young people are more vulnerable to it. The nicotine consumed while vaping can also condition the brain to become more easily addicted to other drugs. The first step is recognising your teen might have a vaping habit. 
Here are a few things to look for:
- Unusual pens, USB drives and other devices: Some e-cigarettes and vaping devices resemble pens and USB drives, but with a hole on the end. This makes them difficult to spot at home and in the classroom. Heating coils, atomizers and refill pods are some of the other common vaping accessories.
- An unexplained sweet scent: Many teens are attracted to vaping because they are fruit-flavoured. The fruity smell won’t linger as long as tobacco smoke, but it can be a sign your teen is vaping.
- Increased thirst: Vaping dries out the throat.
- Nosebleeds: Vaping can dry out the nostrils and lead to nosebleeds.
- Reduced caffeine cravings: Some vapers report having a sensitivity to caffeine, so if they’re skipping the energy drinks and coffees you might inquire why.
For more information, go to QUIT.
Ms Fiona Stuart - Leader of Pastoral Care