As vaping continues to grow in popularity, concerns over the impact on young people are mounting. One woman, Belle Moore, has shared her harrowing story of how e-cigarettes have taken control of her life, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable individuals.

Image caption: Belle Moore first started vaping while studying at college

Belle Moore, who started vaping at the age of 16, is now 19 and struggling with addiction. She admitted feeling “no control” over her vaping habit, needing to vape every couple of hours, experiencing shakiness when she refrains, and constantly thinking about it. Belle’s situation reflects the urgency of addressing the issue.

This story comes to light as public health authorities urge the government to take more decisive action to combat teen vaping. Belle’s experience sheds light on the influence of peer pressure, as she began vaping due to friends at college and hid it from her mother. Her story underscores the need for preventative measures.

One troubling aspect of Belle’s narrative is the ease with which she obtained vaping products as a minor. She explains that she managed to purchase vapes at the age of 16 from a shop that did not request identification. This incident raises concerns about the effective enforcement of current legislation.

Image caption: Belle Moore, pictured at the age of 16, said she saw children in school uniform buying vapes

Efforts to combat youth vaping are gathering momentum, with nine directors of public health from Cheshire and Merseyside calling for a nationwide ban on disposable vapes. They expressed concerns about the alarming rise in vaping among young people and the potential presence of unidentified harmful ingredients. The government has acknowledged these concerns and claimed to be taking “bold action” to address the issue.

Examining the impact of Belle Moore’s addiction on her family reveals the gravity of the situation. Her mother, Lynne, expressed her distress at watching her daughter vape and the financial burden imposed by the addiction. Belle’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for comprehensive support systems for both individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones.

By sharing her personal struggle, Belle hopes to prevent others from enduring similar difficulties. She highlighted the association between vaping and deteriorating health, noting an increase in coughing and susceptibility to illness. Her message to young people considering vaping or smoking is clear: “Don’t start, as it can honestly ruin your life.”