Nicotine addiction

Although the prevalence of smoking traditional cigarettes in the Czech Republic has been declining for a long time, nicotine addiction is not disappearing. The issue is now shifting to electronic cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco.

New forms are gaining popularity, especially among young people (15-24 years old), which has led to an increase in smoking in this age group in recent years. This fact is highlighted annually by World No Tobacco Day, which falls on May 31st.

Modern alternatives often give the impression that they are safer and more socially acceptable, thus leading to an underestimation of the risk of addiction (faster and more intense development). Another worrying trend is the so-called dual use, where smokers combine multiple forms at the same time. Such behavior allows them to maintain the habit practically throughout the day.

The idea that quitting smoking is just a matter of strong will is a myth. Nicotine is highly addictive (in addition to physical dependence, it also forms psychological and behavioral patterns linked to daily routine, stress or social environment) and without professional help only 5% of smokers succeed.

Health insurance companies in the Czech Republic contribute to smoking cessation as part of preventive programs (the amount of the contribution, conditions and frequency of drawing may vary).

Selected pharmacies (marked with a specific logo) provide professional advice that can help those interested in quitting. To find the nearest center, you can use the official pharmacy search engine on the website of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacists.

Certified pharmacists can help:

• set an individual plan,
• use available medications correctly,
• manage crisis situations associated with nicotine cravings.

 The advantage of pharmacies lies primarily in their easy accessibility.

Within the VFN, people can contact:

• Center for the Treatment of Tobacco Addiction of the 3rd Internal Clinic, located in the building of the Faculty Polyclinic on Karlovo náměstí (head: Prof. MUDr. Eva Králíková, CSc.)

contact: +420 224 966 608

beztabaku@vfn.cz

• Hospital pharmacy (involved in the project of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacists "Quitting Smoking")

contact: +420 224 963 109

syrova.dana@vfn.cz

Free according to the web portal of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacists, 28. 5. 2026