By Dr. A. Kumar, Public Health Expert
As the world observes World No Tobacco Day, concerns are growing over the increasing prevalence of tobacco use, nicotine addiction, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse among India’s youth. Public Health Expert Dr. A. Kumar has described the situation as a serious public health emergency that threatens the health, productivity, and future of the nation.
India is home to the world’s largest youth population, a demographic often regarded as the country’s greatest strength. However, factors such as stress, loneliness, peer pressure, unemployment, social media influence, and changing lifestyles are pushing many young people toward addictive substances. What often begins as experimentation, fashion, or temporary stress relief gradually develops into dependency, affecting both physical and mental well-being.
The rapid growth of the corporate sector has brought new opportunities but has also intensified workplace pressure. Long working hours, unrealistic performance targets, job insecurity, and emotional exhaustion have contributed to a rise in smoking and nicotine consumption among young professionals. Many individuals mistakenly believe tobacco helps them manage stress or improve concentration, while in reality it deepens dependency and worsens mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and insomnia.
The digital age has created another challenge. Despite being constantly connected through smartphones and social media, many young people experience emotional isolation and loneliness. Reduced family interaction and increasing screen time have weakened traditional support systems, making addiction an attractive but dangerous escape from emotional distress.
According to Dr. Kumar, addiction is not merely an individual problem but a family and social crisis. Financial resources are often wasted on tobacco and alcohol, leading to economic strain, family conflicts, emotional insecurity, and weakened relationships. Women and children frequently become silent victims, facing emotional neglect, domestic stress, and psychological trauma. Children raised in such environments may themselves become vulnerable to addiction, creating a cycle that can continue across generations.
The problem affects both rural and urban India. In rural areas, products such as khaini, bidi, gutkha, and chewing tobacco remain deeply rooted in local habits. In urban centres, cigarettes, vaping, alcohol, and lifestyle-related addictions are increasing due to workplace stress, nightlife culture, and changing social norms. Educational institutions are also witnessing a rise in tobacco use among students, often influenced by peer pressure, films, web series, and social media trends.
The Government of India has introduced measures such as the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), and the ban on e-cigarettes. Agencies including the National Health Mission (NHM) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are promoting awareness campaigns, tobacco cessation initiatives, and health screening programmes. However, challenges remain due to weak enforcement, illegal marketing practices, and easy access to tobacco products.
Dr. Kumar emphasizes that combating addiction requires collective action. Families must encourage open communication, educational institutions should strengthen awareness programmes, companies must support employee well-being, and community organizations should actively promote healthy lifestyles. He concludes that addiction-free youth, strong families, and a healthy society are essential pillars of a developed India. Protecting the nation’s youth today is crucial for securing the country’s future tomorrow.
