Former Kpod user shares how he became addicted to the drug-laced vape

Key Concepts

Kpods, Vaping, Addiction, Telegram, Side Effects (light-headedness, dissociation, headaches, body aches, shakes), Sobriety, Peer Influence, Education, Addictions Recovery.

Initial Experience with Kpods

The speaker describes their first experience with a Kpod as "different from a normal vape," noting a chemical taste and difficulty inhaling. The high was rapid, occurring after 3-4 puffs, and characterized by light-headedness and dissociation. The speaker learned from friends that it was a Kpod, which they describe as "very famous right now."

Kpods vs. Regular Vapes

A key distinction is made between regular vapes, used primarily for flavor, and Kpods, which are used to get high. The speaker emphasizes that Kpods provide a buzz, unlike regular vapes.

Acquisition and Cost

Kpods are reportedly easier to find through platforms like Telegram. The speaker purchased Kpods through Telegram channels for approximately S$50 to S$60 per pod, with each pod lasting about two weeks.

Progression of Usage and Addiction

The speaker's usage began with occasional use of friends' vapes at clubs, escalating to seeking out Kpods and purchasing their own. They progressed to using Kpods 5 to 8 times a day. The buzz lasted less than a minute, leading to increased consumption. Addiction was recognized around the fourth or fifth month of usage, but the speaker struggled to stop due to the pleasurable feeling.

Negative Side Effects

The speaker experienced several negative side effects, including light-headedness, dissociation, headaches, body aches, and shakes. The most severe incident involved falling and hitting their head due to being overly buzzed and losing control.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Upon stopping Kpod use, the speaker experienced lethargy and body aches, indicating withdrawal symptoms.

Seeking Help and Quitting

The speaker's mother noticed the difficulty in quitting and referred them to Addictions Recovery. Even with attempts to cut down gradually, relapse occurred approximately every week.

Strategies for Sobriety

The speaker identified key strategies for maintaining sobriety:

• Eliminating Access: Recognizing that simply throwing away Kpods wasn't enough, the speaker realized the need to cut off contact with friends who used Kpods and delete Telegram.
• Perspective Shift: Observing friends using Kpods provided a third-person perspective, revealing the undesirable person they became while using Kpods. This realization motivated them to stay sober.
• Awareness of Consequences: The speaker was aware of acquaintances who had died or experienced seizures due to Kpods, further reinforcing their decision to quit.

Peer Influence and Education

The speaker actively tries to deter friends from using Kpods by sharing their experiences and the negative consequences. They believe that increased education about the long-term effects and side effects of Kpods would be beneficial.

Notable Quotes

• "When I took the first puff, it was kind of different from a normal vape. It tasted a bit like chemicals..."
• "Smoking regular vapes, I would say, it really isn’t about the buzz; it’s about the flavour, but Kpods are completely different from normal vapes. You get high from it."
• "I realised I was getting hooked or addicted right about the fourth or fifth month of usage, but I still couldn’t stop because of the feeling it gave me."
• "I saw myself in the third person with my friends...and it was not the kind of person that I wanted to be."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• Kpods: A type of vaping device or pod containing substances that induce a high, distinct from regular vapes focused on flavor.
• Dissociation: A feeling of detachment from one's self or surroundings, experienced as a side effect of Kpod use.
• Addictions Recovery: A program or service designed to help individuals overcome addiction.
• Telegram: A messaging app used as a platform for acquiring Kpods.

Logical Connections

The narrative follows a clear progression: initial experimentation, escalation of use, development of addiction, experience of negative side effects and withdrawal, seeking help, and implementing strategies for sobriety. The speaker connects their personal experience with broader issues of peer influence and the need for education about Kpods.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The speaker's experience highlights the dangers of Kpods, emphasizing their addictive nature, negative side effects, and accessibility through platforms like Telegram. The journey to sobriety involved recognizing the addiction, seeking help, cutting off access and negative influences, and gaining a new perspective on the effects of Kpods. The speaker advocates for increased education to deter others from using Kpods.