Quit tobacco, chew nut, say experts

The ban on the consumption of gutka and paan masala has led to fresh fear in the form of medical repercussions among the masses.

However, if the medical experts are to be believed, the good news is, it would be one of the easiest addictions to handle, unlike other substances like alcohol and cigarette. For, chewing tobacco does not affect the body and the repercussions are only psychological in nature.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Prakash B L of Vepra Health Care, said: “Addicts who want to quit do not need hospitalisation as gutka and paan masala have nothing to do with metabolism. It is a psychiatric problem. Non-smoking tobacco is one of the easiest substances to quit and the de-addiction treatment includes a few counselling sessions. It does not include rehabilitation, which is recommended to those engaged in substance abuse, like alcohol and other narcotics.”

He said people should access the de-addiction counselling facilities provided by the government as they would ease the process of quitting.

“Once a person quits, craving for the substance will be higher, which is an important reason for taking to the habit again. That is when the addicts should try to divert their attention or even try techniques like chewing gums or shift to areca nuts which is a legal product and has positive health effects, if consumed in right proportion,” Dr Prakash said.
Health Minister U T Khader, during his public address on ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ had acknowledged the repercussion challenge and had announced the provision of counselling facilities around the State.

He announced that the counselling services would be offered at Nimhans, Victoria Hospital and St John’s Medical College and Hospital, in Bangalore. The facility is also available at a few district hospitals in the State and will be extended to the taluks too.

The government has also planned aggressive advertising campaigns to make people aware of the psychiatric and emotional symptoms the addicts are likely to experience when they stop chewing tobacco. The advertisements will also make an effort to generate awareness on the de-addiction facilities made available.