Approximately 267 million adults in India are users of tobacco, which represents about 29% of the adult population aged 15 and above. This figure includes both smoking and smokeless tobacco products. In fact, India is currently grappling with a silent, pervasive pandemic of addiction, cutting across all demographics and socio-economic strata. From drugs and alcohol to tobacco and smartphones, the spectrum of addictions is broad, and the impact on individuals and society is profound.
“While tobacco smoking and substance abuse remain major concerns, the growing menace of internet addiction, especially among urban youth, cannot be ignored. Internet addiction, marked by a lack of control over internet use and its harmful impact on personal life, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Studies indicate significant variance in prevalence rates, with males showing higher rates of addiction. We must address this issue with the same urgency as substance abuse and tobacco smoking,” remarked Dr. Neha Agrawal, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya, Dehradun during a CME session on July 29.
The rising trends of addiction to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and smartphones among the youth in India underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies and interventions. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, awareness, and adequate support systems tailored to the needs of young individuals. Embracing the principles of SDG-3 with science backed innovations are essential for tackling the tobacco menace in India. Hence, the time to act is now, and every step taken, no matter how small, is a stride towards a healthier, addiction-free India.
Dr. Mohsin Wali, Padma Shri Awardee & Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, speaking at the program said, “We are witnessing a dynamic shift in our approach to tobacco cessation and other addictions. In this effort, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) has proven effective in overcoming tobacco addiction, but there are other novel, safer alternatives that could play a crucial role in smoking cessation. For this to achieve, we need to re-evaluate public health strategies. Furthermore, the collective efforts of healthcare professionals and the broader community in dispelling myths and fostering awareness are essential steps towards a healthier society.”
Kanikka Malhotra, a Senior Clinical Dietician, argued, “Lifestyle changes can be a game-changer. Addiction, in many ways, is a lifestyle disease. Small but consistent changes in our daily habits can play a significant role in combating it. Incorporating safer, novel alternatives in sync with healthy habits into our routines can be a powerful tool in this battle against addiction. For this, India’s de-addiction strategies including tobacco cessation need to be re-evaluated.”
