Latest news with #AnneYee
The Star
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Unregulated e-cigarettes pose severe health risks
PETALING JAYA: Originally used as an anaesthetic, etomidate is now being misused recreationally in e-cigarettes, or vapes, warns a psychiatrist and addiction specialist. Unregulated vapes have been found to contain heavy metals, synthetic cannabinoids and harmful solvents, increasing the risk of respiratory and neurological damage, particularly among adolescents, said Monash University Malaysia Associate Professor and KPJ Puteri Hospital consultant, Dr Anne Yee. Dr Yee, who is also a Universiti Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) Adjunct Professor and Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia (AMAM) honorary secretary, said youngsters – already at greater risk of nicotine addiction, psychosis, respiratory damage and long-term cognitive impairment – are now exposed to the dangers of etomidate, or 'Eto'. 'The latest trend we are seeing is Eto being added to vape liquids. 'Mixed with alcohol or other substances like opioids or benzodiazepines, Eto becomes even more deadly. 'Many of these products are produced illegally, so users do not know what they are inhaling. 'This increases toxicity risks,' she said, adding that aggressive marketing, flavoured vape liquids and easy online availability contribute to the rising prevalence of drug-laced vapes among adolescents. With vapes getting sleeker and smaller, the devices can be used discreetly, making it harder for parents and teachers to notice when students are vaping in schools or at home, said Dr Yee. The health consequences are severe, she warned. 'We need stronger regulations. Either ban or strictly control flavoured and high-nicotine vapes that attract youths,' she said, adding that stringent enforcement targeting illegal online sellers is crucial. Schools and parents must also do their part, Dr Yee said, stressing on the importance of early education on the risks of drug-laced vapes. Early intervention programmes for at-risk youths are crucial too, she said. Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) Karangan director Zuraidah Ayob said the facility, which houses the country's first and only National Anti-Drugs Agency school, is currently conducting treatment and rehabilitation for 22 students aged between 15 and 21. 'The use of illegal substances in vapes needs our urgent attention because increasingly, we are seeing youths using 'magic mushroom' and cannabis liquids in their vapes, whether knowingly or otherwise. 'These illegal liquids may even contain dangerous synthetic drugs,' she said, adding that vapes make it easier for youths and even children to do drugs due to their ease of access. 'You used to need paraphernalia like a kitchen, fire and aluminum foil to do drugs. 'Now, you just add the liquid into vapes that come in all shapes and sizes. 'Some children may start vaping out of curiosity, social media influence or peer pressure and then get hooked on the habit.' Citing Education Ministry data, she said as at September last year, a total of 12,252 students were found vaping in schools. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022 report also showed a rise in vapers aged between 13 and 17, from 9.8% in 2017, to 14.9% in 2022. Youngsters, she said, start with 'light' stuff like nicotine liquids before progressing to other dangerous drugs. 'They associate nicotine with positive feelings and over time, their psychological barriers to other dangerous drugs are lowered.'
The Star
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Support, not punish
A second chance: Set up in December last year, the country's first AADK school in Puspen Karangan, Kedah, aims to address learning loss among those undergoing rehabilitation and treatment for drug abuse. Instead of punishing students caught vaping, the Education Ministry should focus on supportive interventions. Monash University Malaysia Assoc Prof Dr Anne Yee said punitive measures such as suspending or expelling students (see infographic) do not address nicotine dependence, which is the problem. Nicotine addiction is a medical issue, not just a disciplinary problem, said the consultant psychiatrist and addiction specialist. 'Many students who vape are addicted to nicotine. They need support to overcome the addiction. Dr Yee 'Punishing does not address the biological and psychological aspects of nicotine dependence,' Dr Yee, who is also a Universiti Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) adjunct professor and Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia (AMAM) honorary secretary said, adding that the prevalence of vape use among Malaysian adolescents is on the rise. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022 reported that e-cigarette use among Malaysians aged 13 to 17 rose from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022. Notably, 23.3% of male adolescents and 6.2% of female adolescents were current e-cigarette users in 2022. Adults only: It is illegal to sell vape products to anyone under the age of 18. — File photo 'Almost half (48.5%) of adolescent e-cigarette users initiated use before the age of 14, indicating early exposure to nicotine. 'So, instead of suspending or expelling a student, it is more important to provide them with the tools to quit. CLICK TO ENLARGE 'Educational interventions such as nicotine cessation programmes and counselling have been shown to be more effective in reducing long-term use,' said Dr Yee. Besides denying a student's access to education, punitive measures, she said, can lead to negative academic outcomes as it disrupts learning and could lead to a rise in students dropping out of school if they are unable to reintegrate. 'This is especially damaging to those from B40 backgrounds. 'These students often feel stigmatised, isolated and unmotivated to continue learning and to complete their education. 'Such measures worsen existing behavioural problems, which also lead to a higher risk of future substance use and delinquent behaviour as they may spend more time in unsupervised settings,' Dr Yee said, adding that association with other high-risk peers outside of school can reinforce substance use behaviours rather than deter them. Punitive actions, she warned, could have mental health consequences such as increased anxiety, stress and depression. CLICK TO ENLARGE 'Students may have started vaping as a coping mechanism but punitive actions may worsen the underlying mental health issues that led to their use in the first place,' she said. Students who fear punishment, said Dr Yee, may hide their vaping habits, adding that harsh disciplinary measures may create adversarial relationships between students and school authorities, making students less likely to respect school rules. A more rehabilitative approach fosters cooperation rather than conflict, she opined. CLICK TO ENLARGE
