1.5 million Austrians aged 15 and over smoke cigarettes daily. That is around 21 percent of the population, emphasized the health insurance fund ÖGK on Wednesday on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. A further five percent consume e-cigarettes almost daily, six percent use other tobacco and nicotine products such as heated tobacco, shisha, or nicotine pouches. These are often advertised as supposedly healthier alternatives, criticizes the ÖGK.
Targeted marketing and product design, as well as the use of flavorings, are intended to make tobacco and nicotine products more attractive and thus give the impression of a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, it said in the press release. These tactics are aimed especially at vulnerable groups, particularly young people, and thus promote the initiation of consumption, warned the ÖGK.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also placed this year’s World No Tobacco Day under the slogan “Exposing the Allure” in order to uncover the seductive properties of products. These make quitting smoking more difficult and increase the risk of addiction and long-term health consequences. “Nicotine products in new designs often disguise their risks, yet they are an entry into addiction,” said ÖGK chairman Peter McDonald.
Free support offers
For all who want to become nicotine-free, the ÖGK has free offerings in the program. The “Nicotine-Free in Six Weeks” courses can be attended online or at numerous locations throughout Austria. Experts support and accompany the process. The courses offer the opportunity to reflect on one’s own addictive behavior, exchange ideas in the small group, and motivate each other.
Also at the quit-smoking hotline at 0800-810013 health psychologists provide free advice and support over several weeks. Support materials are available at www.rauchfrei.at. On the website www.gesundheitskasse.at/nikotinfrei you will find information on individual offerings, online lectures on special topics (e.g., nicotine-free during pregnancy), informational materials, and a media library.
