E-cigarettes mask a dangerous drug addiction, experts warn
A recent anti-drug consultation session organized by Prothom Alo Trust highlighted the severe dangers of e-cigarettes, stating they are not a safe alternative for quitting smoking. The 178th online consultation was held on May 20, 2026, at Prothom Alo's office in Karwan Bazar. Professor Dr. Mohit Kamal, former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, provided expert advice during the session. He described the situation among young people regarding e-cigarettes and vaping as 'extremely dire'. Junior colleagues working in the field share similar observations, with patients presenting daily. Dr. Kamal recounted a case where a mother brought her son, who had transformed from a calm and bright student into someone with sunken eyes, a pale complexion, severe insomnia, lack of concentration, and lost interest in school. These symptoms are attributed directly to vaping and drug use. Experts believe vaping is gradually ensnaring young people in an invisible web of addiction, necessitating increased awareness and professional consultation.
The proliferation of e-cigarettes among youth, framed as a smoking cessation tool, appears to be masking a more insidious issue of drug dependency. The observed behavioral and physical changes in young users suggest a potential pathway from nicotine addiction via vaping to more potent illicit substances. This trend warrants a public health investigation into the regulatory oversight of vaping products, their marketing to vulnerable demographics, and the efficacy of current addiction treatment protocols. Future strategies should consider the long-term societal implications of widespread vaping, particularly its role as a potential gateway, and explore proactive educational and intervention measures to mitigate these risks.
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