Syed Majid Gilani
Are you aware of the alarming effects of tobacco abuse? The damaging impact of tobacco and allied products on human health is truly horrifying. Originally used for medicinal purposes, tobacco has become a destructive addiction with severe brain health consequences. The harm begins when nicotine enters the bloodstream, rapidly affecting the brain and leading to severe and long-lasting consequences, including irreversible damage to the brain, nerves, and heart, weakened immunity, tooth decay, gastric problems, and mood fluctuations. Prolonged tobacco or substance abuse only worsens these issues, resulting in diminished senses of taste and smell.
There is a common misconception that tobacco abuse offers temporary respite from worries and tensions. However, the reality is starkly different – tobacco abuse is detrimental to an individual’s overall health. Substance abuse disorder, encompassing tobacco addiction, poses a significant threat to one’s well-being, affecting the nervous system, mood regulation, perception, cognitive function, and behaviour. This complex issue stems from a combination of factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stresses, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and underlying psychiatric problems.
Some individuals struggle to control their substance abuse, ranging from moderate to severe symptoms. Addiction is the most severe form of substance abuse disorder. Individuals with substance abuse disorder often suffer from other mental health disorders. It is essential to realize that quitting substance abuse is quite possible, but it requires strong willpower, a positive approach, and unwavering determination.
Let us take a stand against substance abuse disorder. Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and encourage treatment. Research reveals that substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders often occur together, with three possible reasons: common risk factors contributing to both substance abuse and mental disorders, certain genes being risk factors for both conditions, and environmental factors like stress or trauma causing genetic changes.
Mental disorders can contribute to substance abuse, as people with depression or anxiety turn to drugs for self-medication. Substance abuse worsens symptoms over time and triggers changes in brain structure and function. This is particularly concerning regarding chewable smokeless tobacco, such as spit tobacco, Ghutka, naswar, and pan-masala, which involves chewing finely powdered tobacco leaves or moist paste plugs and is mostly used in underprivileged sections and remote areas due to its affordability and availability.
In certain communities and geographical areas, smoking – whether cigarettes, bidi, hukka, or ghutka – are considered a cultural and social norm. In these environments, small children often emulate their parents’ tobacco abuse, becoming vulnerable to addiction. Assuming addiction as normal, children rarely question their actions. Even when an addict parent attempts to prevent their children from smoking or substance abuse, they often disobey, as children typically mimic their parents’ behaviour. Shockingly, entire families in some households consume tobacco and its allied products, purchasing them regularly alongside essential items. Children inevitably follow suit. Furthermore, when children from such families are discouraged from consuming tobacco, their parents and elders often shield and brazenly justify their addiction. This alarming trend represents some of the worst parenting practices, perpetuating a cycle of addiction and harm, which ultimately perpetuates the cycle of tobacco abuse in our society.
To address these concerns, we must adopt a comprehensive approach that includes public awareness campaigns, reduced stigma, community outreach, and healthcare services. To safeguard our future generations, schools can play a pivotal role. Organizing awareness programs and campaigns at the grassroots level can effectively educate students about the dangers of tobacco and allied products. By working together, we can mitigate tobacco abuse and substance abuse disorder’s devastating effects.
(The author works as a GST Inspector for the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He can be reached at [email protected])
