NHS Vaping Addiction Clinic Faces 11-Year-Olds on Waiting List

Youngsters as young as 11 are currently facing a rising backlog for the UK's initial dedicated vaping addiction treatment center. The Al...

Youngsters as young as 11 are currently facing a rising backlog for the UK's initial dedicated vaping addiction treatment center.

The Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool launched an innovative e-cigarette quitting program earlier this year, following an increase in young people under 16 becoming addicted to vaping devices.

However, data gathered via a Freedom of Information request indicates the service has already reached maximum capacity, with at least 15 children awaiting attention.

Approximately 27 individuals are undergoing treatment, with 17 in the age range of 14 to 15, and a smaller number, less than 10, aged 11 to 12.

It follows as the number of school-age British students addicted to these devices keeps rising, with 1.1 million admitting they have tried smoking at least once.

Professor Rachel Isba, who heads the Alder Hey service, cautioned about the effects of nicotine on brains that are still maturing.

She stated: "Further studies are required to examine the effects of vaping on individuals under 16, so we can properly offer the assistance they seek, helping them quit nicotine use and enhance their health and overall well-being."

Professor Isba had earlier disclosed the startling fact that children as young as seven are beginning to use e-cigarettes.

As reported by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), approximately 18% of children between the ages of 11 and 17 have tried vaping, with about 7.2% having vaped.

The clinic began operations in February following an increase in nicotine addiction among students in Merseyside.

The approach is customized for every child and may involve nicotine replacement options, counseling, assistance with dealing with peer influence, and addressing behavioral patterns. Employees also collaborate directly with schools to monitor addiction levels and improve the support provided.

Even though the initial funding from NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has concluded, Alder Hey will continue to operate the service until all individuals on the waiting list have received treatment, as reported.Mirror.

Trust leaders are also looking into long-term financial solutions to establish comparable clinics in Merseyside and possibly throughout other NHS trusts.

At the same time, e-cigarette usage among adults is increasing, with 5.6 million people in Britain now using them, reaching an all-time high.

Officials have implemented policies, such as a restriction on single-use vaping devices launched in June, aimed at reducing nicotine dependence.

Although there are worries, the NHS continues to see vaping as a helpful method for adults who want to stop smoking.

A significant 2024 study review found that nicotine e-cigarettes continue to be more effective than conventional nicotine replacement treatments like patches or gum.

Reports indicate that children who frequently use e-cigarettes are three times more prone to start smoking in the future, with research connecting this behavior to breathing problems and the risk of drug abuse.

In the meantime, information from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) shows that vaping has increased threefold among children since 2021.

In September, specialists started advocating for a global prohibition of electronic cigarettes to safeguard children from 'permanent damage'.

Earlier research indicates that vaping may raise the likelihood of stroke by 33% and asthma and heart-related conditions by 25%.

Experts presenting at the globe's biggest cardiac conference indicate that the effect on developing brains and hearts is probably more significant.

Senior cardiologist Professor Maja-Lisa Løchen from the University Hospital of North Norway expressed her concern that vaping might emerge as a new 'epidemic'.

She stated: "There is an extra risk associated with vaping in children [compared to adults] regarding its impact on the body."

Since we are aware that nicotine and other components in electronic cigarettes can have a significant negative impact on growing brains.

Not just in the fetus, but also during childhood and throughout your 20s. Therefore, this is a matter we are very worried about.

We are also aware that when children and teenagers begin using e-cigarettes, they might develop a nicotine addiction, and this could serve as a stepping stone to traditional smoking.

Read more

• As the NHS raises concerns, why are children addicted to banned vaping devices?
• How is Liverpool's latest vaping clinic addressing an increase in young patients addicted to nicotine?
• E-cigarette controversy: What is causing children as young as seven to start using vaping devices in the UK?
• Have emergency room visits linked to vaping increased by an incredible 733% according to NHS alerts about the risks of unauthorized devices?
• Is the "completely unacceptable" promotion of vaping products causing our children to face a secret surge in nicotine dependency at an unusually early age?