News

The expert debate organized by the Institute for the Social Policy Development (IRSS) took place on October 29, 2025, at the headquarters of the Polish Press Agency. Experts agreed: addiction is a serious issue that extends beyond alcoholism to include smoking, gambling, medications, technology, and even sugar.

Participants

The discussion featured:

• Prof. Andrzej M. Fal – Polish Society of Public Health
• Dr. Dorota Kiprian – Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology
• Prof. Katarzyna Koziak – Medical University of Warsaw
• Dominik Kuc – GrowSPACE Foundation
• Irena Rej – Polish Chamber of Pharmacy
• Andrzej Strojny – Warsaw Enterprise Institute
• Prof. Filip Szymański – Collegium Medicum UKSW
• Prof. Marcin Wojnar – Medical University of Warsaw

Causes of Addiction and Social Pressure

Prof. Wojnar emphasized genetic, biological, and environmental factors. He noted that external influences, especially peer pressure, are crucial in triggering addiction. He and Prof. Fal highlighted how easy access to alcohol and e-cigarettes among youth contributes to habit formation. Dominik Kuc added that nearly half of under-18s obtained alcohol illegally, and 14% had their first contact with alcohol before age 14.

Dangerous E-Cigarettes from China and Filterless Cigarettes

Experts raised concerns about flavored disposable e-cigarettes, now the most popular substance in Polish schools. Prof. Szymański warned that most such products come from China, where they are banned, and stressed the health system’s burden from treating addiction-related illnesses. He also referenced WHO’s controversial proposal to ban filtered cigarettes due to environmental concerns.

Prof. Koziak revealed that in 100% of tested devices, the declared liquid composition did not match the actual contents. Some products falsely claimed to be nicotine-free while containing highly addictive 6-methyl-nicotine.

Education Over Prohibition

Experts unanimously advocated for education as the primary tool against addiction. Dominik Kuc called for mandatory health education addressing behavioral addictions and promoting substance-free lifestyles. Irena Rej argued that bans are ineffective and instead proposed regulating advertising and product visibility, supported by media education.

Prof. Wojnar and Prof. Kiprian agreed, stressing that bans without professional education and support are ineffective. Kiprian, drawing from her oncology experience, emphasized the importance of awareness-building.

Smoking Among Cancer Patients

Experts noted that smoking among oncology patients remains a serious issue, reducing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In 2025, the NCCN issued new guidelines urging oncologists to prioritize eliminating tobacco exposure. Yet, smoking outside Polish hospitals remains common.

Substitution and Harm Reduction

Andrzej Strojny suggested that non-alcoholic beer and nicotine pouches can help reduce harmful substance use. He cited Sweden, where only 5% of citizens use tobacco. Prof. Koziak added that substitution products should be used under medical supervision.

Need for Cooperation and Long-Term Strategy

Experts criticized the lack of coordinated policy and inter-ministerial collaboration. Prof. Szymański called for a government-appointed public health commissioner. Prof. Wojnar lamented the rejection of a national strategy proposal by the Ministry of Health, despite expert support.

Prof. Fal questioned why Poland fails to adopt proven international practices, such as long-term youth education programs in Australia and Sweden. He stressed that without education and support, policy measures are ineffective.

Poland, despite complying with WHO packaging and advertising guidelines, remains one of Europe’s most addicted populations. Experts concluded that only a multi-pronged approach—public, fiscal, and educational—can yield results.