24/08/2026
YOUNG PEOPLE, VA**NG & PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES – INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES
There is growing concern around the range of va**ng products and psychoactive substances that may be accessible to young people, including products sometimes referred to as “spice” or synthetic cannabinoids.
For parents and family members, it can be extremely difficult to know what a young person may be using, what a particular v**e contains, what signs to look out for, or how best to respond.
We are aware that some young people can experience significant difficulties associated with these products, including severe intoxication, changes in mood or behaviour, mental health reactions and symptoms of dependence or withdrawal. The HSE also advises that v**e products can contain varying levels of ni****ne and other chemicals, and that the risks increase where v**e liquids contain drugs.
💜 For families, the worry and uncertainty surrounding a young person's substance use can also have a significant impact.
If you are concerned, try to keep communication open rather than approaching the conversation from a place of confrontation or accusation. You don't need to have all the answers before starting a conversation.
There are a number of useful resources available for parents, carers and professionals:
🔹 https://www.drugs.ie/parents - Webinars for parents around prevention and managing substance use if it does emerge as an issue
https://www2.hse.ie/.../quit.../other-products/young-people/ - information and advice in relation to young people's va**ng and HSE supports, including QUIT4Youth program
https://www.drugs.ie/.../for.../resources_for_parents/ - HSE resources on Alcohol and Drugs, including how to manage disco's, and the HSE Parent's Guide to assist in speaking with young people about concerns.
https://www.isha.ie/.../hse-va**ng-and-e-cigarette... - Information on HSE webinar, booklet and guidance for schools on va**ng.
These resources, along with details on local supports, including how professionals/parents can make contact/make a referral to MaCYSS, are available on their website www.macysshub.ie
💜 And remember – support is available for the family too.
If someone else's drug, alcohol or other addictive behaviour is affecting you, FASN provides support to family members and concerned others. You do not have to wait until the person using substances is ready to seek help before reaching out for support for yourself.
Please share these resources with parents, families, schools, youth organisations and anyone who may find them helpful.
Good information can help start important conversations – and early conversations can make a difference.
