New nicotine products just as dangerous
Vienna (OTS) – May 31st is World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) use the day to draw attention to the harmful influence of tobacco and nicotine on young people. With courses and a wide range of information, the ÖGK provides individual support on the way out of dependency.
More than 37 million 13- to 15-year-olds worldwide consume tobacco and nicotine. In Austria, every second young person has had experience with cigarettes or other nicotine products. The number is particularly high among apprentices: a third smoke cigarettes every day, and around 20 percent consume e-cigarettes, water pipes and other products containing nicotine.
Nicotine pouches in particular are becoming increasingly popular among young people. In contrast to cigarettes or other products containing tobacco, so-called pouches, which release nicotine into the oral mucosa, are currently not subject to an advertising ban in Austria. Broad advertising campaigns in public spaces and on social media specifically target young people and give the impression that the small bags are a performance-enhancing and less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
Pouches pose just as high a health and addiction risk as other tobacco and nicotine products. After just a short time, the neurotoxin it contains leads to physical and psychological dependence. The younger people are when they first come into contact, the harder it is to get rid of it.
With the ÖGK out of dependency
The ÖGK offers people of all ages support in quitting nicotine addiction. Via the Rauchfrei telephone on 0800 810 013 or the Rauchfrei app at rauchfreiapp.at Those affected can receive easy, free and anonymous advice and support in quitting. In addition to people who want to become or remain nicotine-free, the offer is also aimed at relatives who have unanswered questions.
In addition, the ÖGK regularly organizes courses on nicotine cessation. They can be attended online or at numerous locations throughout Austria and offer the opportunity to reflect on your own addictive behavior, exchange ideas in small groups and motivate each other. Specially tailored lectures are offered for pregnant women that provide sensitive information about options for a nicotine-free pregnancy and breastfeeding. Afterwards, individual support from the health psychologists at the smoke-free telephone can be used.
The Austrian Health Insurance Fund website offers comprehensive information material on the subject of nicotine and cessation. Recorded webinars and videos on the topic can be accessed there around the clock. Those interested can find further information and all current offers at gesundheitskasse.at/rauchfrei.
Questions & Contact:
Austrian health insurance fund
presse@oegk.at
www.gesundheitskasse.at