Think of new ways in tobacco prevention – with responsibility and a sense of reality

During the World Nut Rauma Day, the Health Forum Praevenire is reminiscent that successful tobacco prevention needs more than just bans and warnings – it primarily needs differentiated strategies that pick up people where they stand. With the side stetten petition to Harm Reduction and Risk Minister, Praevenire pursues an integrative approach: the primary goal remains not to start smoking at all. If you already smoke, you should be supported as best as possible to exit. And for all those who do not succeed in the smoke stop despite multiple attempts, more risky alternatives are needed as a sensible measure to minimize damage.

This third option – known as Harm Reduction – is still taboo in Austria or even disabled by law. But especially for heavily nicotine-dependent people or for those who, despite multiple attempts at weaning, do not get rid of smoking, can possibly represent products such as tobacco heaters, nicotine bags or e-cigarettes.

International examples such as Sweden show how effective a pragmatic approach can be: The combination of restrictive measures with widespread access to low -risk products has already been reduced to around five percent – with the lowest lung cancer mortality in Europe.

In Austria, on the other hand, there is currently a threat of development in the opposite direction: the planned draft law on tobacco and nicotine search regulation (TNSG) treats all nicotine-containing products- regardless of their different hazard potential. Such a policy not only ignores the scientific data, but also blocks effective ways to minimize damage to many people. At the same time, Praevenire emphasizes that protective measures for young people have to be reinforced. Age limits, advertising restrictions and a clear demarcation to young target groups are central elements of a responsible harm-reduction strategy.

Praevenire therefore appeals to the political decision -makers:

• Differentiate risks: Products should be regulated and taxed according to their health risk – not in general.
• Integrate Harm Reduction: Smoking cessation and reduction in damage are not a contradiction, but belong together in every weaning program.
• Enable access instead of blocking: For many smokers: a complete exit from the inside can only be achieved realistically through the use of low -risk products.
• Take youth protection seriously: Age restrictions and advertising bans must be clearly and consistently enforced.

A crucial success factor is the role of medical professions. General practitioners: Inside and dental: Inside, direct contact with the patient: inside and can make a significant contribution to the change in behavior through targeted information and motivation. Praevenire has therefore initiated several specialist publications together with partners who offer practical help for everyday care:

• The brochure “Smoking cessation in general medical practice” (in cooperation with Am Plus) provides concrete recommendations for general practitioners: Inside for addressing and supporting smoking patients: inside.
• The Consensus statement “Smoking as an addiction and the role of dentistry” as well as the specialist publication for “Early detection in dental practice “ Illuminate how dental practices can contribute to smoke prevention and general health promotion – through advice, early detection and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Every year the World Smoking Day reminds us how important effective tobacco prevention is for public health. It takes an honest health policy debate, which, in addition to classic measures, also takes into account new, evidence -based paths such as Harm Reduction. Anyone who stops smoking today – or successfully switching to less risky alternatives – wins not only years of age, but also quality of life.