Experts raise alarm over rising tobacco consumption
Patna: On the eve of World No-Tobacco Day on Friday, health experts and parents raised alarms over the growing trend of youngsters frequenting cigarette shops in Patna while some youths opened up about their struggle with addiction.
Dr Saurabh Karmakar, additional professor of pulmonary medicine at AIIMS-Patna, highlighted the multiple reasons behind the rise in youth tobacco consumption. "Tobacco is consumed in two forms – smoke and smokeless. Its use has increased among youth due to westernised lifestyles, greater personal freedom, economic independence, the shift to nuclear families and the breakdown of traditional support systems which causes stress and anxiety.
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He added that many believe smoking reduces stress, but clarified, "There is only a temporary sense of relief due to the short-term effects of nicotine." Among school students, he said, peer pressure and imitation of societal role models are key drivers.
He criticised the illegal sale of tobacco near schools. "There is a school near AIIMS with a cigarette shop right outside its gate, despite laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco within 100 metres of educational institutions," he said.
A resident of Kankarbagh said, "I started smoking at school. It became a habit. I have been trying to quit for years. It's been 15 days now since I last smoked and I already feel fresher. My sleep has improved."
Priyanka Gupta, a concerned parent, said, "Children imitate peers and celebrities. Shops don't verify age before selling cigarettes. It worries me that my children could fall into the same trap."
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