Support, not condemnation, key to kicking vape habit, say counsellors

Amid a wave of tougher enforcement action and public criticism of young vapers, some social workers are calling for more compassion for these addicts.

- Christine Tan

Instead of shaming or condemning them, these social workers believe parents and teachers can support them in their recovery.

Recent reports of young people vaping have ignited widespread discussion, with some people labelling them as defiant, rebellious and out of control.

With vaping illegal here, others called for enhanced enforcement efforts, and laud the impending move to label etomidate as an illegal drug with stricter punishment. Etomidate is a controlled substance increasingly found in vapes.

Ms Flora Tan, senior social worker at Care Corner Youth Services, said its team is grateful for the legal update as it enables them to act more decisively regarding vaping.

But she is worried public discourse centred on shame and punishment might deter youth from seeking help.

Ms Tan said: "Addiction is already something that is done in the dark. We don't want our youth to go into even darker places."

She added that some assume these young people are deliberately choosing to indulge in vaping or cause trouble in public.