What is Tobacco or Nicotine Addiction?
“Addiction is a silent captor, weaving its web through the delicate threads of desire, habit, and vulnerability.”
Nicotine or tobacco addiction develops when a person is dependent on nicotine and finds it hard to quit it. Nicotine is found in tobacco, which is highly addictive. It makes it difficult for people to stop using it. Nicotine provides a brief euphoric feeling to people, making them use it again and again. For instance, a person who smokes cigarettes is addicted to it. The more they smoke, the more they feel high. Once they become addicted to it, they need to increase the dosage to get the same feeling.
Tobacco Addiction in India
According to a report by the Smoke-Free World Organization,
- India stands at the second position in global tobacco consumption, with 267 million people using it.
- Approximately 100 million people in India aged between the ages of 17 and 75 years smoke cigarettes and beedis.
- Approximately 200 million people between the ages of 17-75 years are addicted to smokeless tobacco.
- Tobacco use is more common in rural areas, especially among people from lower economic and social strata.
- Tobacco use is more common among men than women, with 42.4% of men addicted to tobacco.
- In 2020, 27% of cancer cases in India were caused by tobacco.
Why Is Tobacco Addiction a Significant Menace in India?
Causes of tobacco Addiction in India:
Cultural Influence
Tobacco use has gained acceptance in society, which has led to its widespread use. Smoking cigarettes, bidis, and chewing tobacco is considered normal in some parts of India.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is one of the significant causes of nicotine addiction among the younger generation. Having a family member who is a nicotine addict also influences younger kids to smoke or chew tobacco.
Accessibility and Affordability
Tobacco products are widely available in India. It is accessible to a larger part of the population without any issue, which causes widespread addiction to them.
Lack of Awareness
There is a lack of awareness in society about the health risks associated with tobacco. A larger population does not have enough knowledge about the risks associated with tobacco use.
Effects of Tobacco Addiction in India
The mortality rate of smokers is 60 to 80 percent higher than that of a non-smoker. People who smoke cigarettes or beedis have higher death rates due to health issues such as oral cancer.
Health Impacts
Tobacco use gives rise to several health issues. It can cause respiratory, cardiovascular, and oral health problems. People who chew tobacco or smoke on a daily basis have a higher risk of getting oral, pharyngeal, or esophageal cancer.
Economic Burden
Tobacco consumption also causes economic burdens. Instead of spending on basic necessities like food and clothing, tobacco addicts spend money on tobacco-related products and cigarettes.
Increased Mortality
Smoking is a leading cause of death. In India, every year, nearly 1.35 million people die because of smoking. It has decreased the life expectancy of people.
The burden on the Healthcare System
In recent years, the number of people battling substance dependence has increased. This has put immense pressure on the healthcare system and has caused unjustified division of resources.
What Are the Different Types of Tobacco Addictions?
There are forms of tobacco addiction in India. The following are some of the most common tobacco products used:
Beedis: Beedis are the most common tobacco-related product in India. Thirty-four percent of the total tobacco produced is used in making beedis.
Cigarette
After beedis, cigarettes are the most common tobacco product in India.
Chuttas
Chuttas are another most popular tobacco product in India. In India, around 3000 million chuttas are made every year.
Chillum
Chillum smoking is quite common in rural parts of north India.
How to Avoid Being a Tobacco Addict?
“In the battle against addiction, courage is our armor, resilience our shield, and hope our weapon.”
When a person becomes dependent on tobacco or nicotine, they start taking it in a larger quantity. Once the body becomes addicted to nicotine, smaller dosages are ineffective in getting high. Following are some ways in which people can protect themselves against tobacco addiction.
Switch to products that have lower amounts of Nicotine. Before replacing nicotine, consult a doctor.
Do not give it to your cravings. They are temporary.
Avoid doing things that will remind you of tobacco use.
Instead of chewing tobacco, switch to carrots, apples, or celery.
Take deep breaths to control the cravings.
When a person quits using tobacco or is in the process, they go through withdrawal symptoms. It can cause irritation and agitation, and they might try to give up. The emotional aspects of withdrawal symptoms last from one week to 4 weeks. People must learn to manage negative emotions.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment of Tobacco Addiction?
Addiction to tobacco and its related products can be severe. One cannot overcome it through one treatment approach. Overcoming this addiction requires a comprehensive approach, which includes behavioral and medicinal treatment. WHO has come up with MPOWER, an approach that addresses overall aspects of addiction:
M: Monitor the use of tobacco and prevention policies.
P: Protect people from tobacco smoke.
O: Offer help to quit tobacco use.
W: Warn people about the health risks of consuming tobacco.
E: Put bans on advertisements promoting and sponsoring tobacco.
R: Raise taxes on tobacco.
Addiction treatment centers provide several strategies for treating addiction to tobacco. Following are some of the most essential parts of it:
Behavioral Counseling
Behavioral therapy has a crucial role in treating addiction to tobacco and nicotine. The medical professionals at the de-addiction center provide therapies to struggling individuals according to their needs. It can be individual, group, or online therapy. They help people tap into underlying causes of addiction and teach them ways to address it.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy switches hardcore nicotine products with milder ones. It can include gums, patches, or inhalers. These products contain nicotine but in a very small amount. These products prove to be of great help to a person who is trying to quit nicotine. It relieves withdrawal symptoms and helps people manage cravings.
Combination Therapy
Combination therapies are extremely helpful in treating severe nicotine addiction. In this method, people are given long-acting and short-acting nicotine formation to help people quit. It also includes certain behavioral therapies that help people overcome the psychological causes of addiction.
Support Systems
A substance abuser who is struggling with severe addiction requires constant support from family and friends. A supportive and non-judgemental environment helps them in recovery and have hope of getting better. It also reduces the feeling of isolation, which is a big cause of addiction.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
The addiction treatment plans should also focus on relapse prevention. Relapse prevention can include educating people about addiction, creating awareness about physical and mental health, and providing necessary life skills. When a person learns how to build a better life for themselves and those around them, they do not feel the constant urge to indulge in destructive behavior.
The Administration’s Tobacco Intake Curbing Measures in India.
The government of India is trying its best to fight tobacco addiction and minimize its far-reaching health and economic risks. It has come up with several initiatives, such as banning tobacco ads on any media platform, generating public awareness, and smoking cessation programs.
Legislation and Regulation
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act was passed by the Indian government in 2003. The main objective of this law is to ban advertisements that promote smoking and other tobacco products in India, as well as to regulate trade and commerce and the manufacturing supply and distribution of these products.
Taxation Policies
The government has implemented strict tax policies on tobacco and related products. It has imposed a 28% GST on all types of cigarettes. Higher tax rates will make cigarettes and other smoking products less affordable to teenagers and young adults.
National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP)
The main objective of the National Tobacco Control Program is to create awareness about the negative health impacts of tobacco. It also aims to establish awareness programs in schools and colleges to help kids understand the severe impact of addiction. These programs help in reducing the rate of addiction among the younger generations.
Smoke-Free Public Places
The government has banned smoking in public places. It prohibits smoking in public places, workplaces, public transport, and restaurants. The main objective of this law is to protect people who do not smoke from the exposure caused by public smoking.
Quitline Services
The government has established a national-level tobacco Quitline service at the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, New Delhi. These services help in reducing the extent of smoking cigarettes and beedis by providing counseling to people all across India.
International Collaboration
India is also a part of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). FCTC is the first international treaty started by WHO to combat global smoking and tobacco consumption rates.
Where to Get the Right Resources in India for Tobacco Addiction?
“The right path is not just a route to cessation but a transformative journey toward a brighter, tobacco-free future.”
Finding the right resources to quit tobacco use is important. One can gain information from government addiction centers, helplines, or NGOs. Finding the right resources also increases a person’s chance to successfully overcome addiction. Following are some of the resources one must know about:
Government Health Facilities
Government hospitals, community health centers, or primary health centers have reliable and accurate information about addiction counseling and treatment plans.
National Tobacco Cessation Quitline
The National Tobacco Cessation Quitline is a toll-free helpline run by the government to provide support and information about addiction treatment programs.
District Tobacco Control Cells
District Tobacco Control Cells function at the district level and aim to monitor the initiative to control tobacco. They also provide information about detox centers.
Community Health Workers
Community health workers or Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are trained to provide basic counseling to people who are trying to overcome addiction.
Online Resources
Several government-run websites provide information about de-addiction centers, treatment resources, and financial help to people seeking recovery from substance abuse.
Tobacco Rehabilitation Centres in India
Deaddiction centers or clinics run by the government aim to help individuals struggling with addiction. The main objective of these centers is to create a safe and supportive place for people seeking recovery. They use comprehensive treatment methods to address every aspect of addiction.
Professional Guidance and Support
Rehabilitation centers help people battling addiction by giving access to expert addiction doctors and counselors. They help struggling addicts identify and resolve the emotional causes of addiction.
Comprehensive Treatment Programs
These addiction treatment centers offer comprehensive treatment programs that meet everyone’s individual needs. These treatment methods aim to cure the physical, mental, and psychological impacts of addiction.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
Rehabilitation centers also provide detoxification that is medically supervised to substance abusers battling severe addiction. Detoxification should be done by medical experts as it leads to extreme withdrawal symptoms.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Rehabilitation centers aim to meet every specific demand of people struggling with addiction. They create personalized treatment plans that meet their needs.
Counseling and Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapies are an important part of addiction rehabilitation programs. These therapies help individuals build coping mechanisms to overcome tobacco use.
Education and Awareness
A detox center also helps educate people about the health risks that come with addiction. It tells people about the benefits of leading an addiction-free life.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Triggers are an unavoidable part of addiction recovery. Rehab centers help people build relapse prevention strategies that help them minimize and manage these triggers.
Tobacco addiction can be overcome with constant support and the right treatment. Behavioral therapy, medications, and a solid support system can help you quit smoking. It’s a difficult journey, but one should not give up.
