Nicotine and Media Addiction: More Young People Seeking Help

On average, a young person contacts them twice a day with such concerns, the organization reported on Thursday. An increasing demand is noted for nicotine and media addiction, while alcohol is declining.

Regarding smoking/nicotine, experts have observed a continuous increase in inquiries by a total of 86 percent from 2019 to 2023. From 2023 to 2024, they increased again by 24 percent. "This is largely due to the tobacco-free nicotine pouches, whose consumption is only allowed from the age of 18 in Austria, but are still used by many adolescents," said Birgit Satke, head of the counseling team.

"We want to raise awareness among young people that nicotine pouches are not as harmless as they may seem, without being preachy or judgmental," emphasized Satke. "In cases where adolescents have overdosed on them, we offer quick help, try to calm them down, and inform them about further steps."

Excessive Use of Digital Media

The most significant increase in counseling demand was related to the excessive use of digital media, with an increase of 71 percent. Here, young people often question whether the time they spend on social networks and online games already falls into the addiction category.

"Especially during adolescence, abusive use is somewhat normal, as it is often used by young people as a coping strategy for school stress or other burdens," explained Satke. "Addiction is when the addictive substance or behavior becomes the center of life and dominates everyday life."

"Binge Drinking" Apparently Out

Alcohol, on the other hand, seems to be less of an issue among adolescents, as indicated by the 7.6 percent decrease in inquiries compared to 2023. "We have noticed for some time that the era of binge drinking seems to be over and that young people are increasingly abstaining from alcohol or handling it more consciously than before," said Satke. The most inquiries overall (354) in 2024 were also in the category of drugs and medication, which are also slightly declining compared to 2023 (minus four percent).

Rat auf Draht is a service provided by SOS-Kinderdorf. The emergency number 147 is available to children and adolescents around the clock via phone or chat, free of charge and anonymously, and is largely funded by donations.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.