Tobacco addiction in India is among the prime reasons of poor health conditions, unproductive results at the workplace and decrease in overall economic condition of the country due to the extra burden on the healthcare sector. It is challenging to quit tobacco because of physical and psychological aspects of tobacco addiction. It is brought on by nicotine, a highly addictive substance included in tobacco products. It is responsible for around 1.35 million fatalities annually in India and is one of the leading causes of illness and mortality in the country.
India is the world’s second-largest producer and user of tobacco. In the nation, a wide range of tobacco products are offered at extremely low prices. China has 2.19 million tobacco users. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2016–17, tobacco use is present among almost 267 million adults in India who are 15 years of age or older, or 29% of all adults. Smokeless tobacco is the most widely used tobacco product in India.
Prevalence Of Tobacco Addiction In India
There are certain factors that lead to nicotine addiction in India. For Instance, advertisements, glamourization of smoking, social media platforms, and peer pressure are some components responsible for this growing concern.
1. Provoking Advertisements:
Alcohol and tobacco products are indirectly shown being consumed in advertisements. Gutkha is often advertised as paan masala in a glamourize way which provokes young people to try it once.
2. Films and other Bollywood Shows:
People, especially the younger generation, get influenced by the portrayal of tobacco in films, web series and TV shows. Generally, after seeing their hero smoking on the big screen, young people consider it cool and this ultimately encourages them to at least try once in their lifetime.
3. Social Media platforms:
On social media, it is generally seen that influencers and celebrities upload pictures, videos and snaps while consuming alcohol, tobacco and hookah. Due to which their fans also try to copy their favorite celebrities by consuming alcohol and tobacco.
4. Friends and Peer Pressure:
Mostly it is a friend or a colleague in the life of an individual that encourages him/her to try alcohol or tobacco. Often, people get influenced after seeing their friend consuming alcohol or smoking and they also find it “cool”. People generally start consuming tobacco or alcohol on the insistence of his friends.
Causes Of Substance Abuse In India
After understanding the factors that influence an individual to initiate the use of tobacco, you must be wondering what are the factors responsible for the continuing use of tobacco in their lives. The causes of tobacco addiction in India include:
1. Effect Of Nicotine:
Tobacco contains nicotine. It is a narcotic substance. The more it is consumed, the more one feels like consuming it. Which is very harmful at a particular time. And it is very difficult to get rid of it.
2. Lack of Awareness:
Most people do not know how harmful tobacco is. Consuming tobacco has severe health consequences. Due to lack of awareness, people continue consuming tobacco without knowing its ill effects.
3. Cultural Acceptance:
In many places in India, consuming alcohol and tobacco is a custom. Due to which people easily get it and start consuming it. And due to this people get addicted to it and it becomes very difficult for them to get rid of it.
4. Lack of Support:
A large part of the population is struggling with substance abuse in India and want to get rid of it. But due to lack of support at the right time, people get trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction and become victims of tobacco and alcohol.
Treatment Options For Drug And Alcohol Addicts In India
Here are some treatment options for tobacco addicts in India. With the help of these treatment options addicts can free themselves from tobacco addiction. These options can help people overcome tobacco addiction and live healthier lives.
- By consulting a counselor earlier one can avoid the severity of addiction. Counseling can be taken from doctors, certified psychologists and addiction treatment specialists.
- Medicine & Meditation: With the help of medicine and meditation, addiction can be cured.
- Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers: Nowadays, addiction centres and quitline services are also available on phones, with the help of which we can easily consult while sitting at home and get rid of addiction.
- Awareness Campaigns: Government campaigns make people aware and help people to swear off alcohol and tobacco.
Tobacco Addiction In India: A Pervasive Issue
Tobacco addiction in India is one of the greatest health hazards in the sociocultural and economic context. This is due to the easy availability, aggressive marketing, and the norms of the society towards the use of the tobacco products. It is the addictive nature of nicotine as well as the psychological aspect that causes persistence in tobacco use. Nevertheless, with the proper support systems, educational programs and effective measures, this harmful practice can be stopped and healthy lifestyles can be adopted by the people.
