The International journal on drug policy
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Int. J. Drug Policy · Sep 2020
What is the face of new nicotine users? 2012-2018 e-cigarettes and tobacco use among young students in Italy.
With increased use of electronic-nicotine delivery devices (e-cigarettes) and non-cigarettes tobacco products (heated tobacco products, shisha, moist snuff/snus) among adolescents, the percentage of Italian students who use nicotine products is at its highest level of the past ten years, even though prevention and anti-smoking policies have produced tangible results in decreasing tobacco smoking prevalence. This cross-sectional study examined trends in exclusive and dual smoking, identified new poly-consumption patterns and profiled old and new nicotine users. ⋯ In contrast to a slight decrease in cigarette smoking, the prevalence of Italian students approaching old and/or new smoking habits in their lifetime is substantially increasing. The popularity of alternative nicotine-based products, particularly e-cigarettes, has increased among teenagers, resulting in a summation of usage patterns rather than a compensation, and attracting a novel slice of young users. The lack of regulation within current drug policy to limit the access to such licit psychoactive substance use, is urgently needed to avoid a future nicotine addicted population.
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COVID-19 has turned the world upside down in a very short period of time. The impact of COVID-19 will disproportionately effect people who are least able to protect themselves and this will include people who use drugs. ⋯ Safer opioid distribution in response to a toxic street drug supply is a pragmatic and effective way to reduce overdose deaths. COVID-19 makes such an approach even more urgent and compelling.