The warnings issued by cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen on the dangers of vaping and recreational drug use must not be taken lightly. His alarm over the growing prevalence of vaping devices, increasingly laced with hard drugs, exposes an urgent public health predicament that has been quietly unfolding, particularly among the country’s youth. What began as a seemingly harmless alternative to traditional smoking has morphed into a dangerous and addictive habit with potentially devastating consequences.
Vaping, often marketed as a modern substitute for cigarettes, has gained a foothold among teenagers and young adults, lured by sleek devices, enticing flavours, and the perception of being a safer alternative. Yet, beneath the veneer of sophistication lies a cocktail of chemicals with serious health risks. As Dr Carpen has emphasised, even nicotine-based vaping on its own causes acute harm: elevated heart rate, heightened blood pressure, increased inflammation within blood vessels, and the very real risk of heart attacks and strokes.
What makes the situation even more alarming in Guyana is the reported infiltration of far more lethal substances into vaping liquids. Cocaine, ecstasy, and other narcotics are being discreetly mixed into these products, transforming them into potent tools of dependency. This practice is not only a public health hazard but also a predatory act by those who profit from addiction. The deliberate inclusion of highly addictive substances ensures repeat customers while devastating the health of young people who may not fully grasp the risks they are taking.
The issue extends well beyond individual choices. Recreational drug use, whether through vaping, alcohol abuse, or harder narcotics, erodes the social fabric of the nation. Addiction destroys families, diminishes productivity, and drains public healthcare resources. The economic cost of treating cardiovascular disease, strokes, and other drug-related illnesses will inevitably rise if this trend continues unchecked. The ripple effect is enormous: children grow up in broken homes, communities face increased crime linked to drug dependency, and national development suffers as a result of a weakened workforce.
The gender-specific consequences outlined by Dr Carpen underscore the complexity of the crisis. Men, often dismissive of long-term health risks, are especially vulnerable to conditions such as erectile dysfunction, a condition increasingly tied to drug and alcohol abuse. This reality, while uncomfortable, can serve as a compelling deterrent in health education campaigns. Women, on the other hand, face even harsher cardiovascular effects. Their bodies are less capable of metabolising and withstanding the toxins in alcohol, nicotine, and hard drugs, resulting in higher rates of serious cardiovascular complications. The impact is both physiological and societal, as women often carry the greater burden of caregiving in families.
Addressing this crisis requires a multidimensional approach entrenched in prevention, awareness, and accountability. Public education must go far beyond generic anti-drug campaigns. Messaging should be tailored to resonate with different demographics, addressing the distinct risks men and women face while emphasising the long-term damage caused by what is too often perceived as “recreational”. Schools, parents, and community leaders must be brought into the fold, recognising that young people are particularly susceptible to peer pressure and aggressive marketing tactics from industries profiting off addiction.
Equally important is enforcement. Authorities must intensify efforts to regulate the sale of vaping products, particularly those targeted at minors. Stronger penalties for the distribution of illicitly laced vape liquids are necessary to send a clear message that the health of Guyana’s citizens is not negotiable. Alongside enforcement, there must be improved treatment options and rehabilitation services for those already caught in the cycle of addiction. Without a robust system of support, the problem will only deepen.
The allure of vaping as a modern lifestyle choice must be stripped of its deceptive glamour and replaced with clear, evidence-based education about its dangers. Dr Carpen’s warnings are not speculative, but rather they are grounded in medical evidence and frontline experience. Ignoring these warnings would be a costly mistake, one paid not only in hospital bills but in lives lost prematurely.
