Polish health officials warn all nicotine products – cigarettes, vapes, pouches – are damaging, yet systemic support for addiction remains scarce.
All Nicotine Products are Harmful
All nicotine products – traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches – are harmful to health, delivering various toxic substances that negatively impact the heart, lungs, and can be carcinogenic. No product is “healthier,” according to Dr. Magdalena Cedzyńska of the National Oncology Institute’s Anti-Nicotine Clinic.
Lack of Systemic Support for Nicotine Addiction
Despite recognizing nicotine addiction as a disease, Poland lacks a systemic support system for those struggling to quit. Experts highlight this as a significant gap in healthcare provision.
Scandal of Limited Access to Cessation Aid
Irena Przepiórka – Rosłońska and Dr. Magdalena Cedzyńska stated that it is a scandal that systemic help isn’t offered to nicotine-dependent individuals, even those already suffering from nicotine-related illnesses. Only five clinics nationwide provide smoking cessation assistance.
International Comparisons Highlight Deficiencies
Dr. Cedzyńska recounted a conversation with a Scandinavian colleague who expressed surprise that Polish oncology centers aren’t required to offer smoking cessation support to receive accreditation.
Integrating Addiction Treatment into Hospital Care
Dr. Cedzyńska suggested that hospital admission – for oncological, cardiological, pulmonological, or other reasons – could be a starting point for addressing nicotine addiction.
The Compulsive Nature of Nicotine Addiction
Dr. Cedzyńska explained that continuing to smoke even with tracheostomy tubes or IV drips demonstrates the powerful compulsion associated with nicotine addiction, not a lack of education or intelligence.
Benefits of Quitting Even After Diagnosis
Irena Przepiórka – Rosłońska emphasized that quitting smoking, even after a diagnosis, can improve treatment outcomes. Patients often are unaware of this benefit and may feel shame or self-blame.
The Biological and Psychological Aspects of Addiction
Dr. Cedzyńska explained that nicotine addiction is complex, involving both biological and psychological-social components.
The Brain’s Response to Nicotine
The biological aspect stems from nicotine’s psychoactive effects on brain receptors, rapidly triggering dopamine release – the “hormone of happiness” – leading to concentration and well-being. Repeated exposure reinforces this response.
The Cycle of Craving and Relief
The brain adapts to nicotine, requiring increasing amounts, and withdrawal symptoms – nervousness, irritability, anxiety – emerge when levels drop, prompting further nicotine use. This creates a harmful cycle.
Social and Emotional Triggers for Smoking
Irena Przepiórka – Rosłońska explained that smoking becomes associated with specific situations – coffee, social gatherings, work breaks – and emotional states, creating strong automatic connections.
New Nicotine Forms Don’t Guarantee Failure of Treatment
Experts agree that new nicotine delivery methods complicate treatment, but recovery is still possible, with many patients successfully quitting with professional support, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
Accessing Support Services
Demand for cessation services remains low due to fear of failure. The National Oncology Institute offers professional support, accessible through the National Health Fund without a referral. The National Institute of Oncology’s Telephone Helpline for Smokers is available at 801 108 108 (landline) or 22 211 80 15 (mobile).
