TOBACCO use has long been recognized as a public health menace, causing a myriad of health issues across all age groups. However, the impact of tobacco on the youth is a particularly pressing concern that deserves our attention. As adolescents navigate the delicate path to adulthood, the choices they make can significantly shape their future. This article delves into the multifaceted consequences of tobacco use on the young generation, exploring both the immediate and long-term effects.
The immediate health consequences, the youth are not invincible to the immediate health consequences of tobacco use. Smoking or using smokeless tobacco products can lead to respiratory problems, decreased physical fitness and heightened vulnerability to illnesses. The addictive nature of nicotine makes it especially challenging for young individuals to break free from the grip of tobacco, setting the stage for a lifelong struggle with addiction.
Cognitive impact is the main reason on the youth due to smoking. Beyond the physical toll, tobacco has a profound impact on cognitive development. Studies have shown that adolescent brains are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of nicotine. The use of tobacco during this critical period can impair cognitive functions, affecting memory, attention and learning abilities. This jeopardizes academic performance and hinders the realization of full intellectual potential.
Tobacco use among the youth extends beyond individual health, permeating social dynamics. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in can drive young individuals to adopt smoking habits, leading to the formation of social circles centred on tobacco consumption. This not only normalizes a hazardous behaviour but also isolates those who choose not to partake, fostering an environment that may contribute to feelings of exclusion and social anxiety.
Tobacco use among youth has been identified as a potential gateway to other substance abuse issues. The risk of experimenting with illicit drugs is heightened among those who engage in early tobacco use. This dangerous progression can have severe implications for overall well-being and can set the stage for a cascade of health problems in the future.
The impact of tobacco on the youth reverberates well into adulthood. Early exposure to tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, respiratory disorders and various forms of cancer. The seeds sown in adolescence can manifest as life-altering health challenges, underscoring the importance of prevention and intervention efforts targeting the youth. The impact of tobacco use on the youth extends far beyond the visible act of smoking or using tobacco products. It infiltrates physical health, impedes cognitive development, distorts social dynamics, and opens doors to a host of long-term health issues.
In Pakistan, the escalating popularity of newer nicotine and tobacco products among the youth, such as nicotine pouches and vapes, is concerning. This trend is fuelled by the tobacco industry’s misleading narrative that these products are less harmful for health than traditional tobacco and can be used as a quit-tobacco strategy. This narrative, lacking solid independent scientific conclusive backing, poses a significant public health risk and puts young people at greater risk of addiction to multiple tobacco products simultaneously rather than quitting or switching to quitting options.
The absence of regulation and policy framework around these products, especially their use among the youth, highlights the urgent need for public health departments and regulatory authorities to scrutinize and address these potentially misleading claims to safeguard public health. As a society, it is imperative to address this issue holistically, implementing comprehensive strategies that educate, deter and support the youth in making informed, health-conscious choices. The battle against the impact of tobacco on our youngest generation is not only a health imperative but a societal responsibility that shapes the well-being and future of our communities.
—The writer is occasionally contributes to the National Press.
views expressed are writer’s own.
