Hard times for 'betel nut beauties' as Taiwan tries to kick deadly addiction

By Johan Nylander, for CNN

Updated 0101 GMT (0901 HKT) September 6, 2016

Along the streets and highways in Taiwan -- especially in the cities' outskirts and in the countryside -- are neon-lit booths with scantily clad "betel nut beauties."
Photos: Taiwan tries to kick deadly addiction
Along the streets and highways in Taiwan -- especially in the cities' outskirts and in the countryside -- are neon-lit booths with scantily clad "betel nut beauties."
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Women like Ling Ling serve customers betel nut, an addictive snack that is hugely popular in Taiwan.
Photos: Taiwan tries to kick deadly addiction
Women like Ling Ling serve customers betel nut, an addictive snack that is hugely popular in Taiwan.
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Often wrapped in betel leaves, or paan, and chewed like a large fibrous chewing-gum, the betel nut gives a buzz on a par with several shots of espresso or, some say, amphetamine.
Photos: Taiwan tries to kick deadly addiction
Often wrapped in betel leaves, or paan, and chewed like a large fibrous chewing-gum, the betel nut gives a buzz on a par with several shots of espresso or, some say, amphetamine.
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It's not just popular in Taiwan. Betel nut is also chewed in India, Myanmar, parts of China and Papua New Guinea,making it the world's fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance after tobacco, alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Photos: Taiwan tries to kick deadly addiction