Addiction to Nicotine Ranks After Heroin, Cocaine: Psychiatrist

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nicotine addiction is highly dangerous and is ranked third among narcotics, psychotropics, and addictive substances after heroin and cocaine addiction, psychiatrist at the Soeharto Heerdjan Mental Hospital Jakarta Dr Adhi Wibowo Nurhidayat stated.

"Addiction to nicotine, the substance contained in cigarettes, ranks after heroin and cocaine. This is yet to be widely known to the public, so it is not considered harmful," he noted during a discussion forum held in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He further stated that narcotics, psychotropics, and addictive substances are classified into two large groups: those prohibited for general use and those still legally allowed for consumption, such as alcohol and cigarettes.

Psychiatrists who have dealt with several cases related to addictive substances say low doses of nicotine offer a calming effect.

"It is the effect of addictive substances. They then eventually become addictive due to that calm feeling," he pointed out.

Nurhidayat explained that those smoking cigarettes are often aware of the negative effects, but the calming effect had become their excuse to continue the habit. Smokers often argue that they need to smoke in order to perform well at work.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Jakarta Citizen Forum Azas Tigor Nainggolan said that in the national context, there is Government Regulation No. 109 of 2012 on security of ingredients containing addictive substances in the form of tobacco that regulate smoke-free areas. Governor Regulation No. 88 of 2010 on no-smoking areas is also in place in the capital city of Jakarta.

"According to the regulation, there are seven specific areas that fall under the smoke-free zone category, one of which is the workplace. Smoking at workplaces also clearly violates occupational health and safety, or OSH," he stated.

ANTARA