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Vienna is fighting against nicotine: Alarming figures on smoking behavior!
On World No Tobacco Day, Vienna is providing information about the consequences of smoking and stepping up measures against nicotine addiction.
Vienna is fighting against nicotine: Alarming figures on smoking behavior!
World No Tobacco Day is celebrated worldwide on May 31st, an occasion that the city of Vienna uses to draw attention to the health and social consequences of nicotine and tobacco consumption. With a proportion of smokers of 30.4%, Vienna has the highest figure in Austria, which highlights the need for sustainable measures to combat the problem. According to presse.wien.gv.at, over 8,500 people in Austria die every year as a result of smoking, which corresponds to around 10% of all deaths. The economic costs of smoking amount to 2.41 billion euros annually, with medical costs alone accounting for 630.5 million euros.
The supply situation for those affected in Austria is inadequate because the diagnosis and treatment of nicotine addiction are not compulsory health insurance services. Around 1.5 million people smoke every day in Austria, and over half a million Austrians show a willingness to change in order to give up smoking.
Prevention measures and health effects
The city of Vienna is taking preventive measures to reduce cigarette consumption and improve the health of the population in the long term. Studies show that quitting smoking improves physical and mental health in the short term and reduces the risk of serious illnesses in the long term. Cost-effective policy measures, such as tax increases and price increases for tobacco products, can also contribute to prevention.
A scientific report published on social ministry.gv.at provides comprehensive national key data on the consumption of tobacco and related products. This report, which has been updated annually since 2018, addresses, among other things, the extent and socio-demographic structure as well as current developments and trends regarding tobacco consumption in the population.
International context and developments
The connection between nicotine consumption and addiction is recognized worldwide. According to statista.com, smoking is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and cancer. An estimated 143,000 people die in Germany every year as a result of smoking. In Austria it is also clear that despite existing evidence-based programs and a willingness to change across society, measures to prevent and treat nicotine addiction need to be expanded.
The smoke-free telephone (0800 81013) offers those affected information and advice on topics relating to smoking, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The combination of political action and support through such offers could make a decisive contribution to effectively combating nicotine addiction in Austria.