Understanding the condition
What are Kpods and drug-laced vapes?
Kpods are vape pods that contain etomidate, an anaesthetic agent used in hospitals. Drug-laced vapes look like ordinary flavoured vapes, so some people do not know at first what they are inhaling. Kpod addiction describes continuing to use etomidate vapes despite the harm they cause, and finding it hard to stop.
Etomidate is designed to be given by injection, under medical supervision, to bring on anaesthesia. It is not meant to be inhaled. It acts on the brain’s GABA system, which slows activity in the central nervous system. When it is vaped, the effects come on quickly: drowsiness, confusion, unsteadiness and gaps in memory. Larger amounts can cause seizures or loss of consciousness.
Etomidate also affects the body. It can suppress the adrenal glands, which may lead to low potassium and problems with blood pressure. With regular use, many people describe strong cravings and find it increasingly hard to go without.
In Singapore, etomidate was listed as a Class C controlled drug in September 2025. Since 1 May 2026 it has been a specified psychoactive substance under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act. In the first three months of 2026, 377 of the 2,589 people caught with vaporisers had etomidate vapes, according to the Ministry of Health and the Health Sciences Authority.
People often start socially, out of curiosity, or to cope with stress or poor sleep, and find that use takes hold faster than they expected.
Recognising the signs
Signs of Kpod addiction
Recognising some of these signs in yourself or a loved one is not proof of an addiction.
A confidential conversation with a clinician can help you understand what you are experiencing, and what support, if any, would help.
- Finding it hard to stop, even when you want to
- Vaping more often, or needing more to get the same effect
- Unsteadiness, slurred speech, tremors or falls
- Drowsiness, confusion or gaps in memory
- Strong cravings, especially around people, places or situations linked to using
- Mood changes, such as irritability, agitation or feeling low
- Hiding vapes or pods, or being secretive about where you have been
- Continuing despite its effect on your health, relationships, work or finances
The most widely reported drug-laced vape in Singapore. Regular use can become compulsive, with cravings and difficulty going without. Treatment begins with a medical review, including blood tests, and support to stop safely.
Vapes can also be used to take other drugs, such as cannabis oil or synthetic cannabinoids. The contents are often unknown and can vary from one pod to the next. We assess what you have been using and treat it in the same way as other substances. See cannabis addiction and drug dependence.
Some people begin with what they believe is an ordinary vape and only later learn that it contained etomidate or another drug. There is no judgement here. What matters is understanding what you have been exposed to and getting the right support.
Some people use Kpods to switch off, to sleep or to dull difficult feelings. Treatment looks at what the vape has been doing for you, and builds other ways to rest and manage pressure.
Etomidate is a sedative. Using it with alcohol, sleeping tablets or other drugs increases the risks to health, and treatment addresses them together.
Returning to use after a period of stopping, or after completing a rehabilitation programme, is common and is not a failure. We look at what led up to it and build a plan around those pressures.
Clinical Team
Individualised careby experienced hands
We are honoured to walk alongside families and individuals as they navigate recovery and rebuild meaningful, connected lives.
Safety first
Kpod withdrawaland early support
Etomidate withdrawal is not yet well studied, but it should be taken seriously. Clinicians in Singapore have reported seizures during withdrawal, and many people describe strong cravings after stopping. If you have been using heavily or for a long time, please speak to a doctor before you stop.
On admission, our medical team reviews your physical and mental health, including blood tests to check potassium and other markers, and monitors you closely through the early days. Where hospital care or detox is clinically needed, it is arranged before the programme begins.
If you or someone with you has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure, or is having thoughts of ending their life, call 995, or the Samaritans of Singapore on 1767, at any time.
Treatment
Our approach to Kpod addiction treatment
Kpod use is rarely only about the vape. It is often linked to stress, poor sleep, low mood, anxiety or the pressures of work, study and relationships. We treat the person as a whole, with care for both mind and body.
Treatment begins with a 28-day residential stay at our restored heritage residence in Changi, followed by a 12-week intensive outpatient programme. This 16-week programme supports you through the months after residential care, when you are putting new habits into practice in everyday life.
A detailed psychiatric assessment, a comprehensive blood panel, regular psychiatric review and 24-hour on-site nursing.
One-to-one counselling, daily process groups and skills workshops, drawing on approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing, to understand triggers and manage cravings.
EEG neurofeedback, attention training, TMS (iTBS) and cognitive remediation, designed to strengthen attention, memory, impulse control and self-regulation.
Mindfulness, personal training, sleep support and nutrition, helping restore sleep, energy and daily routine.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma or another addiction are addressed together in one treatment plan. See co-occurring disorders.
Before you leave, we coordinate with outpatient providers in Singapore or your home country, and connect you with peer recovery groups. The Winslow Recovery App supports you for a year after the programme.
For families
When someone you love is using Kpods
Finding a vape, or noticing changes in a loved one’s mood, sleep, balance or behaviour, can be frightening, particularly when you are unsure what the vape contains.
We offer confidential guidance for families, including how to raise the subject of treatment with care. Our team understands both Asian and Western family dynamics, and the particular sensitivities of high-profile families. During treatment, families take part through weekly therapist-led family groups and individual family therapy, in person or securely online.
The Winslow’s programme is for adults. If you are worried about a child or teenager, the Health Promotion Board’s QuitLine (1800 438 2000) and the Institute of Mental Health can advise, and gov.sg/stopvaping has guidance for parents.
Suitability
Who we are for
Residential and intensive outpatient treatment for adults seeking structured and discreet evidence-based care.
Our centre accommodates up to 26 residential clients at any one time.
Designed for individuals who are:
- Experiencing substance use and/or behavioural addictions, including co-occurring conditions
- Medically and psychiatrically stable for residential, non-hospital care
- Low to moderate risk to themselves or others
- Able to provide informed consent and communicate fluently in English
- Ready to engage actively in treatment and follow programme expectations
FAQ
Common questions
Answers to questions people often ask about Kpods, etomidate and treatment.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Munidasa Winslow, Medical Director. Last reviewed November 2026.
A Kpod is a vape pod that contains etomidate, an anaesthetic agent. Kpods look like ordinary vape pods, so it is not always possible to tell what a vape contains. They are sometimes called etomidate vapes or drug-laced vapes.
Etomidate is a medicine used in hospitals to bring on anaesthesia. It is given by injection under medical supervision and is not meant to be inhaled. It slows activity in the brain, which is why vaping it causes drowsiness, confusion and unsteadiness.
Reported effects include drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, tremors, falls and gaps in memory. Larger amounts can cause seizures or loss of consciousness. Etomidate can also suppress the adrenal glands and lower potassium levels. In case reports, some people have experienced agitation, aggression or suicidal behaviour.
They can be. People who use etomidate vapes regularly often describe strong cravings and find it increasingly hard to go without. Dependence tends to deepen the longer use continues, and can affect family life, work and study.
Yes. Vaping is illegal in Singapore, and etomidate is a specified psychoactive substance under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act. People caught using etomidate vapes are placed on mandatory rehabilitation, with heavier penalties for repeat offences and for supplying. Singapore citizens and permanent residents can also commit an offence by using etomidate overseas. See gov.sg/stopvaping for the current rules.
The Singapore Government has said that people who come forward voluntarily to seek help will not face penalties or receive an offence record for doing so. The Winslow is a private healthcare provider licensed by the Ministry of Health, and treatment here is voluntary and confidential, except where the law requires disclosure. If you are unsure, please speak to us first.
Please speak to a doctor first if you have been using heavily or for a long time. Etomidate withdrawal is not yet well studied, and seizures during withdrawal have been reported. Our medical team will assess you and, where needed, arrange detox before the programme begins.
Our programme is designed for dependence on alcohol, drugs and medication, and for behavioural addictions. Where nicotine vaping sits alongside Kpod or other drug use, we address it as part of your treatment plan. If nicotine vaping is your only concern, the Health Promotion Board’s QuitLine on 1800 438 2000 is a good place to start.
The Winslow’s programme is for adults. For children and teenagers in Singapore, the Health Promotion Board’s QuitLine (1800 438 2000) and the Institute of Mental Health offer support, and our team is happy to talk your family through the options.
No. The Winslow is a private healthcare provider licensed by the Ministry of Health. Treatment here is voluntary and medically led. It is separate from the Drug Rehabilitation Centres run by the Singapore Prison Service, and it does not replace any rehabilitation programme ordered by the authorities.
The programme runs for 16 weeks: a 28-day residential stay followed by a 12-week intensive outpatient programme. Depending on clinical need and progress, residential extensions of one to four weeks are common.
Some private insurance policies may offer partial coverage. We can provide supporting documentation for claims on request. Please check with your insurer directly. See our fees and inclusions.
Yes. Treatment is delivered in English, and the programme includes visa support and airport transfers. Most nationalities can enter Singapore visa-free for 30 to 90 days. When you return home, we coordinate a handover to providers there so your care continues.
Speak with a clinician
If you’re considering treatment for yourself or someone you care about, a confidential conversation can help clarify whether The Winslow is the right fit.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.