Mohammad Hanief
m.hanief@gmail.com
Tobacco addiction has increasingly become one of the most pressing social and public health concerns affecting young people in many parts of India. In the region of Jammu and Kashmir, this issue has begun to take on worrying proportions, particularly among school, college and university-going students. Health experts, teachers and social workers in the region warn that the rising number of young smokers reflects not only a health concern but also a broader social challenge that demands urgent attention from families, educational institutions and policymakers alike.
For many years, tobacco use has been recognised globally as one of the leading preventable causes of disease and death. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people die every year due to illnesses caused by tobacco consumption. These illnesses include heart disease, lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and several other life-threatening conditions. While global public health campaigns have worked tirelessly to reduce tobacco consumption, the habit continues to spread among younger populations in various regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Across towns and cities in the Union Territory, it is not uncommon to see young students smoking cigarettes outside campuses, in markets or at social gathering spots. What is particularly concerning is that many of these students are still in their teenage years or early twenties. For them, smoking often begins as a casual experiment influenced by curiosity, peer pressure or the desire to appear socially confident among friends. However, this seemingly harmless experimentation can quickly turn into nicotine dependence.
Nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco, has a powerful effect on the human brain. When a person smokes, nicotine reaches the brain within seconds and creates temporary feelings of relaxation or alertness. Over time, the brain begins to depend on this chemical stimulation, leading to repeated cravings and withdrawal symptoms whenever a person attempts to stop. For young students whose bodies and brains are still developing, this addiction can have particularly harmful consequences.
Doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly reporting tobacco-related health issues among younger individuals. Persistent cough, breathing difficulties, reduced stamina and early signs of cardiovascular strain are being observed even in individuals in their twenties. Medical professionals warn that if tobacco use continues at such levels among the youth, the long-term health burden on the region could become severe.
Another major concern is the social normalisation of smoking among young people. In some college environments, smoking is often seen as a symbol of maturity or independence, which can encourage more students to try it. In reality, however, smoking creates long-term dependence that is difficult to overcome without support. Many young smokers eventually realise the dangers of tobacco but struggle to quit due to the strong grip of nicotine addiction.
Studies have shown that most smokers make several attempts to quit before they succeed. Unfortunately, many of these attempts fail because the withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine addiction can be intense. These symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, restlessness and strong cravings for cigarettes. Without access to proper support systems, young smokers often return to their old habits even after trying to quit.
In recent years, health experts have emphasised the importance of nicotine replacement therapies as a practical method to support individuals who want to stop smoking. Products such as nicotine gums are designed to help smokers gradually reduce their dependence on nicotine. These gums provide controlled amounts of nicotine to the body without exposing users to the thousands of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Research conducted by international organisations, including studies reviewed by Cochrane, has consistently shown that nicotine replacement therapy significantly increases the chances of successfully quitting smoking. Smokers who use such therapies are far more likely to overcome their addiction compared to those who attempt to quit without any medical assistance.
Nicotine gums, typically available in strengths of 2 mg and 4 mg, have been used globally for more than three decades as medically approved smoking cessation aids. They are recognised by the World Health Organization as effective tools for tobacco cessation and are included in its Essential Medicines List. Unlike cigarettes, nicotine gums do not produce tar, carbon monoxide or other toxic substances generated by burning tobacco.
In India, nicotine gums are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and are categorised as therapeutic medicines intended to help smokers quit tobacco. Health experts emphasise that these products should not be confused with recreational nicotine products. Instead, they are medical tools designed to support individuals who genuinely want to overcome nicotine addiction.
For the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, increasing awareness about these cessation tools could make a significant difference. Many students who are addicted to tobacco remain unaware that medically approved methods exist to help them quit. Public health specialists believe that educating students about nicotine replacement therapy could encourage more young smokers to seek help rather than continuing their harmful habits.
Educational institutions across the region have a crucial role to play in addressing this growing social issue. Schools, colleges and universities can serve as platforms for spreading awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Health education programmes, seminars and counselling sessions can help students understand the risks associated with smoking and the benefits of quitting early.
Teachers and parents must also play an active role in guiding young people toward healthier choices. Open communication about the dangers of tobacco and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle can discourage experimentation with smoking. Encouraging students to participate in sports, cultural activities and academic pursuits can also reduce the likelihood of tobacco use by promoting positive outlets for stress and energy.
Another important step is the strict enforcement of smoke-free environments in educational institutions. Creating smoke-free campuses sends a strong message that tobacco use is not acceptable within spaces dedicated to learning and personal development. Such policies also protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke, which itself poses serious health risks.
Globally, several countries have adopted comprehensive strategies to reduce tobacco consumption. Nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have combined strong anti-tobacco campaigns with easier access to smoking cessation tools. These approaches have helped millions of people quit smoking and have contributed to a gradual decline in tobacco use in many developed countries.
Public health experts believe that a similar approach could help address the tobacco problem among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Preventive education must be combined with supportive measures that help individuals who are already addicted to nicotine. When young smokers are given the right information and the right tools, they are more likely to take the difficult step of quitting.
The growing prevalence of tobacco use among students in the region is not merely a health issue; it is a social challenge that affects families, communities and the future workforce of Jammu and Kashmir. If large numbers of young people become addicted to tobacco, the consequences could extend beyond individual health to impact productivity, healthcare systems and the overall well-being of society.
Jammu and Kashmir is home to a vibrant and talented youth population with immense potential to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the region. Protecting this generation from the harmful effects of tobacco must therefore become a collective priority. By promoting awareness, strengthening prevention programmes and ensuring access to effective cessation support, society can help young people lead healthier and more productive lives.
Ultimately, addressing the problem of tobacco addiction requires cooperation from all sections of society. Governments, healthcare providers, educators, parents and students themselves must work together to create an environment where tobacco use is discouraged and quitting is actively supported. Through sustained awareness and community engagement, Jammu and Kashmir can take meaningful steps toward overcoming this growing social challenge and safeguarding the health of its youth for generations to come.
(The author is a senior analyst)
The post Rising tobacco use among youth A growing social challenge appeared first on Daily Excelsior.