Zombie Vapes: The New Drug Etomidate Hidden in E-Cigarettes
The Dangers of K-Pods and How a Rehabilitation Center Can Help
Recently, “K-pods” (etomidate-laced vape pods), also known as “zombie vapes,” have become a hot topic among vape users and teenagers in Thailand. Many people wonder if K-pods contain ketamine, but the truth may be even more frightening, because some K-pods contain etomidate, an anesthetic drug with strong sedative effects.
What Is Etomidate?
Etomidate is an anesthetic used in medicine to assist with surgery or medical procedures that require sedation and pain reduction. But when misused in the form of a drug through K-pods, etomidate makes users feel intoxicated and dazed, and in some cases can cause zombie-like symptoms such as unsteady walking, a blank stare, and slow responses to their surroundings.
Why Is It Called a “Zombie Vape”?
The symptoms shown by K-pod users often resemble zombies in movies: a blank stare, staggering walk, and lack of awareness. This is because of etomidate’s severe central nervous system depressant effect, which greatly reduces body control and awareness.
The Dangers of Using K-Pods
- Respiratory depression: The effects of etomidate can slow the respiratory system and, in cases of large doses, may cause the user to stop breathing.
- Risk of addiction: Like other drugs, etomidate carries a high risk of causing psychological and physical addiction.
- Long-term effects: Prolonged K-pod use may cause depression, anxiety, and memory loss, as well as a risk of seizures and schizophrenia.
What to Do When Someone Close to You Uses K-Pods
- Observe symptoms: If you notice someone close to you appearing dazed, walking unsteadily, or speaking incoherently, watch closely and talk with understanding.
- Recommend treatment: Treatment centers such as Day One Rehabilitation Center have comprehensive treatment programs covering both detoxification and mental health recovery, along with psychiatrists and psychologists experienced in treating people with addiction.
- Don’t ignore it: Allowing a drug user to go without treatment can lead to more severe psychological and physical complications.
The use of K-pods containing etomidate is a silent threat spreading among Thai teenagers. Education and encouraging people to seek treatment are the best ways to prevent and address this problem. Day One Rehabilitation Center is ready to provide comprehensive services, including detoxification, physical recovery, and psychological therapy, with a team of expert doctors.
Contact Day One Rehabilitation Center, a full-service addiction treatment center
If you need help with addiction treatment for your child, contact Day One Rehabilitation Center for consultation and comprehensive care.
Phone: +66 64-645-5091, +66 64-645-5092
LINE: @dayone
Location: 99/1 Moo 6, Si Chula, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand (only a 1-hour drive from Bangkok)