VAPES ARE DESTROYING HOCKEY LIVES How did vaping become an issue for junior hockey players? These young men are risking the hopes and dreams of hockey success for an instant of coolness. Junior players have a history of vices that have had catastrophic impacts on careers.

How did vaping become an issue for junior hockey players? These young men are risking the hopes and dreams of hockey success for an instant of coolness. Junior players have a history of vices that have had catastrophic impacts on careers.

Over the years it’s been smoking, dipping, cannabis, alcohol, and even puck bunnies; anything to help take the edge off an intensive hockey schedule. The sad part is there are way too many ex-hockey players that had their careers cut short with such stupidity. 

Players are not the only dummies that have developed a weakness for vaping. It appears that there are many coaches falling into the same hole. 

Here’s the facts folks. These devices contain pods with a variety of synthetic flavors and a mixture of other chemicals. While these products do not use tobacco, many cartridges contain approximately the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. There is far less research available on the health effects of vaping than there is on the effects of cigarettes, but some studies have found that the pods can cause lung and cardiac disease as well as harm to the developing brains of athletes. The heart is an organ that seems to be particularly impacted by vaping. 

The heart. You know, that important organ that keeps every young player alive. But hey, that is not the only organ being destroyed. 

In recent years, a dangerous trend has emerged in the realm of substance abuse: the proliferation of fentanyl-laced vapes. This lethal combination of the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl and electronic cigarettes has raised serious concerns among health experts, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.

As if highly addictive flavored nicotine didn’t already pose a serious threat, the illicit market has recently witnessed a concerning convergence between fentanyl and vaping devices. In an attempt to appeal to unsuspecting users, illegal drug manufacturers have been incorporating fentanyl into vape cartridges, which are then sold as seemingly harmless e-cigarettes. This deadly combination has created a new avenue for fentanyl consumption, catching many users off guard.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid and central nervous system depressant, is incredibly potent, surpassing morphine by 80 to 100 times and heroin by approximately 50 times.

While fentanyl does have legitimate medical applications for pain management, its illicit production and distribution have become a significant concern as it finds its way into various counterfeit substances, including pills and other illegal drugs.

Even the tiniest quantity of fentanyl, regardless of the method of ingestion (oral consumption, nasal inhalation, or injection), carries an alarming risk of a potentially fatal overdose. Dermal contact can also be dangerous—even fatal in many cases.

Fentanyl-laced vapes pose deadly risks to individuals and communities. The potency of fentanyl makes accidental overdose a significant and genuine concern. Given the lack of regulation in the illicit drug market, users cannot know the strength of the fentanyl in these vape cartridges, leading to unpredictable and potentially fatal consequences.

The potential lethality of fentanyl-laced vapes is cause for concern among health professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.

The nature of vaping itself presents dangers, but inhaling fentanyl through vaping devices allows chemicals to enter the bloodstream more quickly, leading to a rapid onset of effects. This quick absorption can further increase the risk of overdose, making it difficult for individuals to seek medical help in time.

And fentanyl-laced vapes may contain other harmful substances, such as cutting agents or additional drugs, which can compound the health risks associated with their use.

The potential lethality of fentanyl-laced vapes is cause for concern among health professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.

Users must recognize the potential risk of undisclosed ingredients when purchasing vaping devices illegally, whether through acquaintances, drug dealers, or online sources. In these cases, the advertised contents may not reflect the actual composition of the vaping liquid.

Even if a particular vape is marketed as cannabis or another substance, illicit vaping devices may contain heroin or fentanyl, especially those that are distributed through black markets and local street dealers. So, it’s important to know the signs that could indicate fentanyl exposure:

Slow or Difficult Breathing: Fentanyl depresses the respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties or decreased breathing rate.

Sedation: Fentanyl’s potent effects can induce a state of extreme drowsiness or sedation.

Disorientation and Dizziness: Fentanyl’s impact on the central nervous system can lead to confusion, disorientation, and dizziness.

Slow Pulse and Low Blood Pressure: Fentanyl’s effects on the cardiovascular system can manifest as a slowed pulse rate and reduced blood pressure. Monitor your pulse and be aware of any unexpected drops in blood pressure to help identify potential fentanyl-related issues.

Loss of Consciousness: Severe fentanyl exposure may result in loss of consciousness or even coma. If someone loses consciousness after vaping or displays unresponsiveness, take immediate action.

All of the potential health risks associated with vaping use can significantly impair a player’s ability to perform, and coaches and parents are witnessing this across the country first-hand. Nicotine-addicted players have been becoming tired faster during practice and games due to the effects that vaping has on the lungs.

Data collected in 2020 shows that teenagers and young adults who vape faced a much higher risk of COVID-19 than their peers who do not vape, Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found.

Snap, maybe that is why so many junior teams were being impacted by COVID?

What is the solution? Zero tolerance is the ONLY solution. Unlike seasons of the past, there are plenty of players readily available to replace those that cannot stop vaping, dipping, or smoking. If substances are more important than development, step aside and make way for another player that obviously wants the opportunity more than you do.

Maybe it’s time that we all start to look at vaping as less of a behavior problem and more as an addiction problem.

Junior leagues should all be exploring the option of offering cessation programs for players and coaches.  These young men need to understand the manipulative marketing and health dangers of vaping before it’s too late.

Credit: http://www.pharmchek.com for a portion of the information.