In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the Able to Care Podcast, I’m joined by Alison Armstrong - a leading voice in drug education, prevention and community training - to unpack the shocking rise of two substances changing the landscape of youth and adult addiction: vapes and spice.
We explore how synthetic cannabinoids are being misrepresented and misused, why vaping is becoming more dangerous than smoking, and how caregivers, teachers and parents can better respond to these emerging risks.
This is not just a conversation about drugs - it’s a vital discussion about prevention, societal responsibility, and how we create environments where healthier choices are the easier ones.
💙 Sponsored by Carers Card UK
The Able to Care Podcast is proudly sponsored by Order your card today
📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:
Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge
AbleHub.uk – Free & low-cost resources for carers and educators
🔑 3 Key Messages from This Episode:
Spice is not cannabis - it's a highly potent synthetic compound often misrepresented, lacking the natural balance that protects the heart and mind.
Vaping isn’t safer - it’s increasing nicotine consumption, making addiction easier, especially among children and young people.
Prevention is powerful - models like Planet Youth prove that long-term investment in young people’s environments can change the future of substance misuse.
🕰️ Chapter Timestamps:
00:00 - Sponsor: Carers Card UK
01:48 - What this episode covers: Vapes, spice and the risks
02:30 - Meet Alison Armstrong
04:00 - Understanding cannabis: THC vs CBD
08:00 - What is spice and why is it dangerous?
12:00 - Spice vs cannabis dependency
17:00 - Vaping’s impact on drug use and addiction
22:00 - Regulation and the ban on single-use vapes
27:00 - Vaping as a delivery method for other substances
33:00 - Planet Youth: Iceland's revolutionary prevention model
38:00 - Addiction, dopamine and adolescent brain development
42:00 - Prediction error and why teens seek high-reward experiences
45:00 - Why we need a long-term national prevention strategy
🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?
Whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher or professional working with young people, this conversation is a must-hear. You’ll come away with:
A clear understanding of the real dangers of spice and vaping
Practical knowledge on how to spot signs and start better conversations
Hopeful insight into what works – and what we can all do to be part of the solution
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🌐 Website: AbleHub.uk
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