Nearly 40 Per Cent of Young Czechs Use Nicotine – One in Four Daily

Nearly four in ten young people in the Czech Republic use nicotine products. A recent study also points to the close link between nicotine and alcohol consumption, as well as the associated health risks.

To mark World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, the Czech health authorities published the results of the National Tobacco and Alcohol Use Survey (NAUTA) for 2025. The data show that nicotine remains widespread, particularly among young people. Nearly 40 per cent of those aged 15 to 24 use nicotine products, with around one in four doing so daily.

The study highlights that modern nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults. Overall, 38.8 per cent of young Czechs aged 15 to 24 use nicotine products, with 26 per cent doing so daily.

This year’s World No Tobacco Day is being held under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. The campaign, chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to draw attention to the strong appeal of nicotine products among young people.

E-cigarettes particularly widespread among young people

According to the study, teenagers and young adults are increasingly turning to alternative nicotine products. E-cigarettes are especially popular. In 2025, 11.6 per cent of respondents used e-cigarettes at least once a month. Among those aged 15 to 24, the figure was significantly higher at 25.6 per cent.

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Particularly striking is the trend in high-strength nicotine refills for e-cigarettes. Their share among young users increased from 5 per cent in 2022 to 35.6 per cent in 2025.

Health experts warn of the consequences. “Dependence on tobacco and alternative nicotine products develops very quickly. Many users later wish to stop using these products, but often find themselves unable to do so,” said Anna Niklová from the Centre for Public Health Promotion.

Nearly one-third of the population uses nicotine

The study also shows that nicotine use is not limited to young people. Overall, 29.5 per cent of the population aged 15 and over use nicotine products. Daily nicotine use was reported by 22.5 per cent.

Conventional smokers remain the largest user group at 22.1 per cent. Around three-quarters of current smokers smoke daily. More than one-third of smokers (38 per cent) attempted to quit smoking during the past year, mostly without professional support. Health concerns were cited as the most common reason.

Alcohol and smoking increase health risks

The study found a clear link between alcohol and tobacco use. While 19.2 per cent of moderate alcohol consumers smoke, the proportion rises to 39.2 per cent among people with risky alcohol consumption and to 54.5 per cent among those with particularly harmful drinking habits.

Health experts warn that the risks associated with both substances reinforce one another. According to the study authors, up to 75 per cent of cases of head and neck cancer are linked to the combined use of alcohol and tobacco.

The authors therefore believe that further preventive measures remain necessary, particularly to protect young people from starting nicotine use.