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.

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1. Spice is not cannabis - it's a highly potent synthetic compound often misrepresented, lacking the natural balance that protects the heart and mind.

2. Vaping isn’t safer - it’s increasing nicotine consumption, making addiction easier, especially among children and young people.

3. Prevention is powerful - models like Planet Youth prove that long-term investment in young people’s environments can change the future of substance misuse.

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

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

Let’s keep the conversation going – join us on social media:

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