Article: Teenage Boy Suffers Nicotine Gum Overdose

A 14-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after an overdose of nicotine gum.

Aiden Williams is believed to have eaten up to 45 sticks of the gum before he collapsed at the school in the West Midlands.

The teenager had been passed the gum by a friend, given to him by Sandwell Council's Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice (Decca).

Decca had been called in by the school, who were concerned about the pupil's smoking habit.

Aiden was admitted to Sandwell General Hospital and had to be kept in overnight before being discharged.

I couldn’t believe that this gum can be give out like this without parents knowing. It is then being passed around the playground. The doctors said that he could have died...

Caroline, Aiden's mother, was shocked that pupils could be given nicotine gum without their parents knowing.

"I know what my son did was stupid, but if anything it proves that these kids can't be given responsibility for taking medication that could do serious harm." She said.

Margaret Storrie, Decca's service manager, said: "Aiden overdosing on gum like this is the first time such an incident has happened and we are disappointed to hear about it."

She added "We always make sure clients understand not to give out their gum to anyone else."

12-year-olds are able to buy nicotine gum over the counter and advisers are allowed to give pupils a week's worth, 105 pieces, without having to inform their parents.

Skynews

how stupid! you gotta be 18 to buy ciggys but they can give you gum to stop you smoking at the age of 12 and expect you to understand the dangers! Chidlren cannot go to Gp under the age of 16 without an adult so why can these people dish out this gum - which is a drug to Children! OUTRAGEOUS!!!!
The DECCA should be blames Not the child or parents. Plus the school should have consulted the parents before contacting anyone else!

that is just crazy giving kids nic gum there is no way they could need it no.1 and its adult med i think

nicotine is a very dangerous drug in high doses, it should only be given with parental permission, and with a strict set of instructions that the person understands