De-addiction tips to combat Tobacco consumption in Adults, Children

Addiction in children

Adolescents and children are most vulnerable to getting addicted to smoking. An estimated 20 million youngsters between the ages of 10 and 14 are dependent on tobacco, per a poll conducted by the Indian governments National Sample Poll Organization.

Theme of this year

About 5500 new users are added to this incredible amount every day, for a total of two million new users annually. The 2024 theme for the World No Tobacco Day is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”.

What kind of Tobacco do they consume?

Tobacco is smoked by them in various forms including beedis, and cigarettes, or by using devices including hooka, hookli, chhutta, dhumti or chillum. Smoking of cigars and pipes is not as common a practice in India as it is in Western countries. The smoking industry mostly targets children and adolescents as it is known that they could easily to influenced.

Early education

There are several preventive techniques to quit or resist the promotion of such harmful activities in children like early education. Incorporating educational programmes in schools to spread awareness about the harmful impacts of smoking can be beneficial.

Combat stress

Why most young children fall prey to this destructive activity is the undue pressure that they are subjected to. To combat stress, they can indulge in other activities like prayer, meditation, yoga, physical activities, pursuing a passion and so on. But never get addicted to nicotine that can simply ruin your life.

Educate your child

Tell them about associated problems including dental issues, stained teeth and fingers, coughing, wheezing and asthma, pre-diabetes, waste of money and the aftermath of addiction. Try to convince the child how this can have a detrimental impact on their life.

Mass marketing targeting children must stop

By denormalizing the use of tobacco and nicotine products, these initiatives have been demonstrated to decrease the initiation of tobacco use and increase quitting. Programs funded by the tobacco industry dont employ the same tactics, dont work to stop adolescents from using tobacco, and are harmful, which could undermine efforts to restrict tobacco.

Be a role model

Set a positive example for your child by abstaining from smoking if you dont want them to vape or smoke. According to research, kids who have parents who have quit smoking or who have never smoked are less likely to smoke themselves. If you are a smoker or vaper and have had trouble stopping, talk to your child about your experiences.

De-addiction centres

Visit these centres where you can get assistance in quitting this harmful habit. Consult a highly trained professional who could act as your perfect guide. At such centres, best-assured techniques are adopted which are accepted all over the world and are applied to the patients.

Avoid Triggers

Prevent kids from the locations where they smoke or chew tobacco the most, like parties or bars, as well as moments when they are worried or drinking coffee, are probably the ones where they would experience the highest tobacco cravings. Determine what triggers are and create a strategy to help kids either avoid or deal with it without smoking.