Clinic Opens for Children Addicted to Vaping
The UK’s first NHS clinic dedicated to vaping addiction in children opened in January at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Merseyside. The clinic treats children as young as 11 years old, with reports that some kids begin vaping at six or seven.
An Alarming Wake-Up Call
Led by Prof. Rachel Isba, the pioneering service was launched in response to a growing crisis.
“Some children are vaping before they get out of bed,” said Prof. Isba. “It’s on their bedside table next to their phone.”
Youth Vaping in the UK: The Data
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH):
- 1 million 11–17-year-olds have tried vaping
- 230,000 vape more than once a week
A study in Greater Manchester found:
- 1 in 5 children vape regularly or have tried it
- 31% vaped first thing in the morning
New Campaign Targets Teens Online
To combat the rising trend, the Department of Health and Social Care launched a campaign on YouTube and Instagram. It features influencers like Big Manny and Bodalia in a show called Love Your Lungs.
This is England’s first educational initiative aimed directly at 13–18-year-olds about nicotine addiction and the dangers of vaping.
Kids Ask for Help—NHS Responds
Prof. Isba revealed that the clinic was inspired by direct feedback from teens.
“A young person asked, ‘Can you do something about vaping?’”
That moment led to the idea for a service focused on education, support, and treatment.
Vaping Support for Young People
At the Alder Hey clinic, children receive:
- Nicotine patches and gum
- Therapy sessions to address peer pressure
- Financial awareness (e.g. £20 a week = £1,000 a year)
Not for Quitting—Just Vaping
Prof. Isba explains that while vapes can help adults quit smoking, children are vaping without ever having smoked. This makes it a different and more concerning issue.
Wider Concerns Around Illegal Vapes
Authorities are increasingly worried about:
- Fake vapes with high puff counts
- Vapes containing cannabis-like substances
Selling vapes to under-18s is illegal in the UK, but enforcement remains a challenge.
The Alder Hey clinic marks a vital step in recognising and responding to youth vaping as a public health issue.
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