Hundreds of vape, Kpod addicts have sought help at IMH; some lost jobs due to addiction
More than 470 people addicted to vaping and etomidate have turned to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for help since September 2025. Many had tried to quit vaping on their own, but found it difficult, with some losing their jobs because of their addiction.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Hundreds of people addicted to vaping and etomidate in Singapore have sought help at IMH through free programmes offering counselling and support to overcome addiction and prevent relapse. Some users lost their jobs due to their addiction.
Imagine you're addicted to a special kind of vape that makes you feel weird and can even make you sick. That's what's happening to hundreds of people in Singapore who are using vapes with a bad medicine called etomidate. They're trying to get help, but it's hard to stop using it because it feels good at first. It's like being stuck in a bad cycle, and it's affecting their relationships and jobs. The good news is that there are people who can help them, and it's never too late to seek treatment.
Analysis
A Growing Concern
The number of people seeking help for vaping addiction in Singapore is alarming. According to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), more than 470 people have turned to the institution for help since September 2025. This is a clear indication that the problem is more widespread than initially thought. The IMH's National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) clinic has seen a significant increase in the number of patients seeking help for vaping addiction.
The Risks of Vaping
Vaping, particularly with etomidate-laced vapes known as Kpods, poses severe health risks. Users can experience zombie-like behaviour, seizures, and psychotic episodes. The anaesthetic agent etomidate can also lead to muscle weakness, breathing difficulty, and cardiac risks. It is essential to address this issue before it gets out of hand.
The Importance of Seeking Help
The IMH's free programmes offering counselling and support to overcome addiction and prevent relapse are a welcome initiative. However, it is crucial to raise awareness about the availability of these services. Many users think they can simply stop vaping and move on, but reality strikes when they experience the severe health risks associated with etomidate addiction. It is not a matter of whether there will be new variants or new substances coming; it is a matter of when. Help is always available, and it is essential to come forward early to seek treatment.
Key points
- More than 470 people have sought help for vaping addiction at IMH since September 2025.
- Vaping with etomidate-laced vapes, known as Kpods, poses severe health risks.
- IMH's free programmes offering counselling and support can help users overcome addiction and prevent relapse.
- Raising awareness about the availability of these services is crucial to addressing the issue.
If more people become aware of the risks associated with vaping and etomidate addiction, it's possible that the number of users seeking help will decrease. Additionally, the IMH's free programmes offering counselling and support can help users overcome their addiction and prevent relapse.
The fight against vaping is far from over, and new variants or substances may emerge, making it challenging to address the issue. Furthermore, some users may resist seeking help due to fear of legal penalties or stigma, which can hinder their recovery.
