Scots mum issues urgent warning after son, 13, became hooked on ‘trendy drug' that's as addictive as cigarettes
'DEVASTATED' Scots mum issues urgent warning after son, 13, became hooked on 'trendy drug' that's as addictive as cigarettes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A SCOTS mum has issued an urgent warning after her 13-year-old son has become hooked on a trendy drug, saying: "It's like living with an addict".
The distraught healthcare worker, from Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, said her boy, who has autism, got on 'snus' after being forced to buy nicotine products for other teens.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
The 13-year-old boy has become addicted to snus
Credit: Getty
She said youngsters, some of whom she claims carry knives, "coerced" and "manipulated" her boy into buying vapes for other teens, the Daily Record reports.
Her son has also now been caught stealing money to buy vapes and tobacco pouches.
The small rectangular bag, also known as 'snus', is usually filled with powdered tobacco.
It's placed between the upper lip and gum, where nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream.
The 41-year-old said: "It's like living with an addict now because that's what these things are - addictive.
"His personality has changed. He used to be quite calm but now he goes into a meltdown if he can't get a vape or snus.
"I'm absolutely devastated. My son is only 13. He's autistic and vulnerable and yet he's been coerced and manipulated by older kids who should know better.
"It is terrifying. He stole £170 from us and that is so out of character. It is unbelievably stressful and yet nothing is being done."
A survey by Action on Smoking and Health found that 43 per cent of 11-17 year olds knew of the pouches - a rise from 38 per cent in 2024.
And nearly four per cent of children in the age group tried the pouches - which is around 210,00 youngsters.
Sam Wardrop calls out footballers who use 'snus'
Unlike cigarettes, these pouches deliver a massive nicotine hit straight into the bloodstream, keeping users hooked.
Some contain up to 150mg of nicotine - which equals an entire pack of smokes in one go.
Nicotine pouch use is rising fast, especially among young people and TikTokkers.
Footballers are also big users - one in five pros reportedly rely on them, according to 2024 research.
The former England footballer Jamie Vardy admitted to using them in his autobiography and said they helped him to 'chill out'.
'A lot more footballers use them than people realise and some lads even play with them during matches,' he wrote.
Despite being billed as a smoking alternative, nicotine pouches are not NHS-approved like e-cigarettes are.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Simba cooling pillow approved by nurses keeps hot sleepers 'pain-free' in heatwave
Shoppers found themselves waking up without neck or headaches after switching to the Simba pillow Shoppers suffering from neck and shoulder pain are raving about a plush Simba pillow for its ache-busting qualities. The Simba Stratos Pillow boasts a worthwhile spend at £60 and is crafted with cool-touch technology that is perfect for hot sleepers sleeping in the heatwave. The bedding company has a line up of pillows engineered for fresher comfort and adjustable support, including ventilated layers to guarantee proper air flow to keep shoppers feeling fresh. Boasting more than 1,300 reviews, the Stratos Pillow is filled with soft clusters of Simba Renew Bio to offer shoppers a down-like feel and cushioned support. It incorporates recycled plastic bottle fibres combed into springy and airy layers. The Stratos Pillow has earned widespread acclaim for its ability to reduce discomfort, reported Gloucestershire Live. I'm a hot sleeper, Simba's 'cool touch' duvet sends me to sleep in a heatwave Woman finds 'best' way to fall back asleep instantly when you wake in middle of the night An NHS nurse who bought the pillow amid the pandemic described their excellent results, highlighting better sleep quality. They said: "My Simba memory foam pillow is the best purchase I've made in years. It's so comfortable and helps me get a much better night's sleep. "I am a nurse in the NHS and especially during these difficult and challenging times, I need all the help I can get in helping me achieve proper rest between shifts. I cannot fault this pillow. I'd give it more stars if I could." Another buyer observed: "These pillows were complimentary with my order and they're nice quality but I'm more of a firm pillow person. I find I have to fold them in half lengthways just to get the hardiness I need to sleep comfortably" To solve the classic summer sleep struggles, the Stratos cool-touch tech can help. It's similar to the innovation that keeps astronauts cool in space (think of it as a sort of pillow thermostat), reports the Mirror. It's designed to offer an instant, tangible coolness and help dissipate excess heat even through the pillowcase, Simba has added it to one side of this wallet-friendly pillow. For those wanting something different, Emma Sleep stocks the Premium Cloud Pillow, which features four layers and contains Aerosoft microfibre filling. It has been reduced from £80 to £64 and promises to deliver 'strong support to the neck and shoulders'. Meanwhile, The White Company has launched a sale on selected bedding products, knocking £13.50 off its Memory Foam Comfort Pillow, now costing £31.50, reduced from £45. At the same time, Amazon is targeting bargain hunters with an offer on a four-pack Slumberdown Hotel Quality pillows, on sale for £31.90, marked down from £40. But a delighted Simba customer has been enjoying their new pillow as they shared: "This pillow is just amazing in every way. It's so comfortable and suitable for front, side, back sleepers. The ability to take the cover off and put it in the washing machine is the best thing ever. The pillow stays full and I haven't had to fluff it up once." But not every review was positive and one buyer disagreed after seeing the pillow 'starting to flatten' within a couple of weeks. For those who want a pillow with adjustable height and firmness, the Simba Hybrid Pillow, £109, comes with a supportive core of squishy, foam nanocubes that allows shoppers to add or remove for the desired height and firmness. A happy shopper highlighted the 'fantastic' cool-touch surface and said: "Purchasing this pillow is by far the best decision I have ever made. The quality is outstanding, squishy and firm at the same time allowing a perfect night's sleep. The cool surface is fantastic as I am at that special time in a women's life. Being able to purchase extra nano cubes is an added bonus, which I'm sure will extend my pillow's life. I would highly recommend to anyone who just wants a fantastic pillow at a fantastic price." Another added: "Been searching for a decent pillow for years. All the ones I've had lose their shape and need continuously fluffing. This one doesn't and made even better by being adjustable as I sleep on my front back and side so finding the right pillow that can be comfortable for all 3 positions is nearly impossible but this hybrid one I have finally found one that is perfect for me."
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
The things to consider before getting cosmetic surgery abroad
The government is bringing in new regulations in the UK as part of a cosmetic surgery crackdown 💉 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... More people are turning to social media to research cosmetic surgery abroad. People are travelling for procedures like hair transplants and dental work. However, when something goes wrong, the NHS is left with the cost. More people than ever are turning to social media for information about cosmetic surgeries abroad, travelling for procedures like hair transplants or dental work. However, when things go wrong, the NHS is often left to pick up the cost. To help ensure patients have trustworthy information, the government and TikTok have partnered with medical influencers to create content showing the risks and advising on how to make trips as safe as possible. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It comes after the government announced new regulations on cosmetic procedures in the UK. The highest-risk procedures, such as non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, can only be carried out by qualified, specialised healthcare professionals, registered with the Care Quality Commission. Whilst measures will also include a licensing scheme for lower-risk procedures such as Botox and fillers, alongside minimum age restrictions. The government is also bringing in new regulations for cosmetic procedures in the UK. | Pexels, cottonbro studio Health Minister Karin Smyth said: 'Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards, often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers - some of whom have never been to the practice in question. 'By partnering with TikTok, we're helping people make safer, more informed choices before they go under the knife - wherever that may be. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Through our Plan for Change, we're determined to protect patients, ease pressure on the NHS and make sure taxpayers are not left paying the price when things go wrong.' What should you consider before getting cosmetic surgery abroad? There are many things to consider before travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures or surgery. The new advice is calling on potential patients to talk with a UK doctor first and research the clinic they plan to travel to. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Check if the clinic is registered and the surgeon's credentials. The NHS advises that before deciding on a clinic, you should find out how surgeons and clinics are regulated in your chosen country and how standards are enforced. Before the procedure, you should have two consultations with the surgeon. This gives you a two-week cooling-off period, which is normally two weeks in the UK. What should you ask your surgeon? In these consultations, the surgeon should explain what the procedure involves, the limitations, alternatives, and any risks or complications. They should also be able to show you before-and-after pictures of their work. Plan for any risks or complications, ask what insurance the clinic or surgeon has and if it will cover you, find out what your travel insurance covers and how you'll get home in the case of an emergency, and most importantly, how much this will cost. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How to check if a person is qualified? Each country will have its registration system and accreditation body. In England, all hospitals and clinics that provide cosmetic surgery must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can find out more about travelling for medical or cosmetic reasons at
Western Telegraph
an hour ago
- Western Telegraph
Mounjaro prices double as weight loss jab popularity soars
US-based Eli Lilly says a 5mg dose will nearly double from £92 to £180 from September 1, while a 15mg pen will rise from £122 to £330. A Lilly spokesperson said: 'Following a review, Lilly will increase the UK list price for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from 1 September to address pricing inconsistencies compared to other developed countries, including in Europe. We have reached an agreement with the NHS to ensure continued supply and patient access." The statement continues: 'While Lilly does not determine the prices that private healthcare providers set, we are working with them to maintain patient access. The UK was one of the first countries where Lilly launched Mounjaro, and our priority was to bring it to patients as quickly as possible during a time of limited supply of GLP-1 RA treatments for type 2 diabetes. 'At launch, Lilly agreed to a UK list price that is significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability." More than 1.5 million people in the UK are believed to be using weight-loss medication each month, with most buying the jabs from private pharmacies. Mounjaro users report surprising side effect - pharmacists share their tips — Bucks Free Press (@bucksfreepress) August 8, 2025 This comes as the Government has joined forces with Eli Lilly in a bid to tackle obesity. The move could see patients accessing care at pharmacies or by using online platforms. The £85 million programme from Eli Lilly and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been designed to look at how obese patients can access weight management care more easily. This includes through community services, in pharmacies and online. Using these tools, eligible patients could be treated 'in a matter of months', according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Under the agreement, the Government will contribute up to £50 million in UK-wide investment. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly will back the programme with £35 million, and NHS organisations will be able to apply for a share of the funding. Recommended reading: Mounjaro warning as pens ruined by heatwave temperatures This comes as users are risking having to throw away perfectly good Mounjaro pens as they have overheated in the recent heatwave. Improper storage of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro during a heatwave could destroy the active ingredient in these jabs, potentially wiping out their effects entirely, even if the medication looks completely normal. 'We recommend treating your weight-loss pen the same way you'd treat insulin or any critical medication,' says Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at Numan. 'When in doubt, don't risk it. Speak to a healthcare professional and arrange a replacement.' 8 tips to protect Mounjaro and other weight-loss injections during hot weather Use a medical-grade cool bag. Transport your pen in a proper, insulated container designed for sensitive medications. Don't use improvised ice packs that might freeze the pen by accident. Never leave your pen in hot places. Even 10 minutes in a parked car or on a sunny kitchen counter could expose it to damaging heat if out of its delivery packaging or unrefrigerated. Always check the environment before setting it down. Store below 30°C once in use. Once opened and if not refrigerated, keep your pen in a shaded, ventilated area, away from heat sources, windows, and radiators. If you live in a flat or home without air conditioning, keep the pen in a bedroom or hallway that doesn't heat up from direct sun. Avoid storing near exterior walls if the property retains heat. Follow the usage timeline carefully. The storage instructions between medications. Wegovy after first use can last 6 weeks below 30 degrees then needs to be disposed of, whereas Mounjaro has a shorter time of 30 days below 30 degrees before needing to be disposed of. Stick to that timeframe, and if you're unsure whether it's still safe, consult your provider. Use a fridge thermometer at home. Fridge temperatures can fluctuate, especially in older models or over-packed shelves. A simple digital fridge thermometer can help ensure your pen is always stored between 2–8°C before first use. Planning to travel? Use airline-friendly cooling cases. If you're flying or taking long journeys, consider TSA-approved insulated medication pouches with cooling gel packs. Always store the pen in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, as cargo holds can get hot or cold. Set storage reminders on your phone. If you're prone to forgetting where you left your pen, set daily reminders to check if it's stored properly, especially during heatwaves or while travelling. Don't store near appliances or steam sources. Keep pens away from kettles, toasters, ovens, dishwashers, and anywhere that might experience sudden heat or humidity, especially in small kitchens or shared spaces. Injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now widely used across the UK for appetite control and sustainable weight management. But despite their growing popularity and increasing availability now through the NHS, most patients don't realise the strict temperature guidelines that must be followed to keep these drugs effective. 'We speak to patients every day who are using GLP-1s for the first time,' says Danielle. 'With temperatures set to soar again this summer, it's crucial we raise awareness about safe medication storage. Heat damage isn't always obvious, but it can have a huge impact on effectiveness and safety."
