Tobacco use in India: Understanding the human side of addiction

India Today

a day ago

Tobacco use in India is a complex, ongoing public health concern—not just a bad habit, but a coping mechanism rooted in psychological need, socio-economic strain, and environmental influence. It's time to go beyond symbolic gestures and commit to sustained action that empowers individuals rather than guilt-tripping them into cessation. India Today spoke with psychologist Ekta Khurana to understand the psychological and social triggers that fuel tobacco use in India and how a more empathetic, human-centric approach can make tobacco control more impactful.advertisementDespite countless awareness drives and interventions, tobacco addiction remains rampant. Why? Because the root causes—especially the emotional and psychological ones—are often overlooked. To design meaningful change, we need to understand why people started and continue using tobacco in the first place.STRESS AND ANXIETY: THE LEADING DRIVERSStress and anxiety are two of the most common psychological triggers behind tobacco use. Whether it's workplace pressure, family conflict, or personal crisis, individuals often reach for cigarettes or chewing tobacco as a quick fix to calm their nerves.
Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, temporarily soothes feelings of stress by stimulating dopamine release. But this relief is short-lived. According to findings in the Human Centric Approach to Tobacco Control report, 62% of men and 40% of women in Tier I cities use tobacco to cope with stress and anxiety—showing how widespread this mental health-tobacco connection is.advertisementPEER PRESSURE AND SOCIAL ACCEPTANCETobacco usage also has a strong social component. For many young people, smoking begins as a means to fit in, appear confident, or live up to a certain 'cool' image within their peer group.This pattern of initiation often leads to regular usage and eventual addiction. Research shows that peer influence is equally strong in both urban and rural youth, highlighting the urgent need to address societal perceptions that glorify tobacco use as a symbol of adulthood or rebellion.In today's fast-paced world where instant gratification is prized, many individuals—especially those with low self-esteem, a history of trauma, or sensation-seeking traits—turn to tobacco for that momentary boost in confidence or calm.For vulnerable populations, tobacco often becomes an emotional crutch. But as psychologist Ekta Khurana explains, 'What people are seeking is emotional regulation—something tobacco cannot sustainably offer. Helping people build psychological resilience is key to long-term recovery.'HUNGER SUPPRESSION IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIESAnother overlooked but dangerous myth is that tobacco can suppress hunger. In communities facing food insecurity, this misconception leads to widespread use of cheap and harmful tobacco forms like bidis, khaini, and chewing tobacco.As the Human Centric Approach to Tobacco Control report notes, only 8% of tobacco consumed in India comes from legal cigarettes, while the remaining 92% is unregulated, cheaper forms often used in vulnerable populations. This creates a dangerous cycle where tobacco is falsely perceived as a substitute for nourishment.ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGEadvertisementTo make tobacco control more effective, India needs a three-pronged approach rooted in empathy, accessibility, and understanding:Launch targeted public health campaigns that not only warn against tobacco's risks but also educate on healthier coping strategiesStrengthen tobacco control policies—like banning ads, increasing taxes, and regulating production and distributionIntegrate affordable tobacco cessation services within public healthcare, especially in rural and underserved regionsLONG-TERM SOLUTIONS: ALTERNATIVES, AWARENESS, AND ACCESSThe way forward lies in recognising that quitting tobacco is not a single decision—it's a journey. Interventions must focus on understanding why someone uses tobacco and then help them transition toward safer alternatives.Solutions like nicotine gums, patches, lozenges, and tech-enabled cessation tools play a vital role in harm reduction. 'We need to move away from guilt-based approaches and instead enable users with awareness, access, and support,' says Khurana.Tobacco control in India must shift from awareness to action, and from stigma to support. When we understand the human reasons behind tobacco use, we can offer solutions that work—not just for a day, but for life.With these seven delicious vegetarian white sauce pasta recipes, you'll never run out of ideas in the kitchen. Whether you go classic or try something new, these versions promise comfort in every bite.Must Watch