As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) findings, over 8 million people die from tobacco every year. With rising cases of tobacco addiction, there is an urgent need for a holistic approach towards de-addiction. There needs to be a paradigm shift in the narrative of de-addiction across the country. It is time that we move away from the traditional methods of scare tactics and pave the way towards long-term sustainable methods and approaches. Stakeholders and organizations have realized the importance of a holistic approach to understanding and addressing tobacco addiction. For de-addictions to be success stories, the goal should be to empower individuals and seamlessly bring them back to the folds of society and normal life.
Understanding core issues
While tobacco addiction might take time to develop, de-addiction takes equal or more time and effort. With regular tobacco use, the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of nicotine and over time, the brain’s natural production of these neurochemicals decreases, leading to a reliance on nicotine. This dependence results in the need of more nicotine to achieve the same effects, and in the absence of nicotine in the body it leads to withdrawal symptoms. And hence the de-addiction process needs a well-chalked out strategy. The first step of this holistic de-addiction should be to understand the underlying cause of addiction.
Addiction itself is a byproduct of peer pressure or certain triggers. The community/therapists should seek to explore the root cause of addiction, which could be social influences, unresolved trauma, psychological triggers or societal reinforcement. The right understanding of the core cause of addiction can set the bedrock for the correct line of the de-addiction process. This will help in developing more targeted and impactful support strategies. Second in line comes positive reinforcement. The focus has to shift from the glamorization of the use of tobacco to the celebration of quitting. By highlighting the benefits of a tobacco-free life and promoting positive reinforcement, there is a social narrative that emphasizes the empowerment of quitting and makes it most aspirational.
Empowerment through support
De-addiction has always been a team battle, and there is a need for communities to come forward and create a supportive environment to aid the individuals in their fight against tobacco. Individuals should have direct access to resources and guidance at all times. They should also receive continuous encouragement in their journey towards tobacco cessation. By fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity, the individuals can be empowered to take control of their health and well-being. This holistic support to fight tobacco addiction is a team battle with encouragement at all stages that play an important role in the de-addiction process. The holistic approach emphasizes access to educational materials, practical tips, and evidence-based strategies for quitting tobacco. With various psychological coping mechanisms, individuals should be equipped with tools to navigate the challenges of cessation. And this makes the process of quitting more achievable.
Role of community
The community plays a very important role in the holistic journey of de-addiction. Therefore, there is a need for more and more online forums, virtual support groups, and interactive events that can bring forth a sense of camaraderie among individuals with similar goals. These support systems can harness the collective wisdom and strength of individuals. Another important aspect should be to provide a non-judgemental environment for those fighting addiction. There is a need to create a supportive environment where members feel heard, valued, and empowered to pursue their goals. It is also important to raise awareness of the challenges faced by tobacco users and promote a culture of empathy and support, this creates a more conducive environment for tobacco cessation.
In conclusion, a holistic approach to de-addiction is the need of the hour, especially at a time when a lot of teenagers take to tobacco alongside adults who have been addicted for long years. With its commitment to empathy, understanding, and empowerment, this approach aims to change the narrative surrounding tobacco cessation and provide holistic support to all in their de-addiction journey.
The author is the founder of Smotect.