The fact that tobacco products can be disguised by adding flavors and presenting them in enticing packaging does nothing to reduce their capacity to cause serious disease, which could lead to disfigurement and even death.
Not surprisingly, these forms of tobacco are being chosen by young adults, mostly males, who are high school age and using smokeless tobacco products in some cases to avoid smoking. The sad truth is that children and young adults are being led to the use of tobacco by expensive marketing, giveaway promotions, and sponsorship of youth-related events.
The age frequently published as the average for beginning use of tobacco is 14 years. Experimentation with tobacco products has been ingrained in our society and others as part of the right of passage into ultimate freedom and adulthood. Most of us have participants in this sort of activity at some point during the teen and 20-something years.
Fact is, the younger one begins to use tobacco products, the harder it is to "give it up" and thus overcome the addiction and increased risk one develops to cancer, heart disease, circulatory problems, emphysema and eventual respiratory distress and failure.
How is the temptation to use tobacco overcome? First of all, we must continue to educate our teenagers and young adults. Tell these healthy people the "whole story" concerning the dark side of tobacco use. Do not let those who promote smoking and smokeless tobacco use glamorize the products and habits without fully explaining the risks, including addiction, heart disease, lung/breathing problems, oral and dental diseases, costs, danger for fire hazards and the mess of ashes and tobacco juices.
What do we do to stop using all forms of tobacco? Get help from professional medical personnel, psychological counselors, addiction specialists, those who have "kicked the habit" and friends and family and support groups. Medications are available to help as well. Just remember, regardless of form, "tobacco is tobacco" and all hazards apply.
