Nearly half of all smokers in the UK admit to smoking more cigarettes since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, a new survey has revealed. The survey from stop-smoking brand NiQuitin to mark ‘Stoptober’ has found financial stress is a key cause of the rise.
In the survey, NiQuitin revealed that 46% of all smokers have smoked more cigarettes since the start of the crisis, with this figure increasing to 51% amongst those who smoke regularly.
Being stressed in general was named as a main smoking trigger, second only to drinking alcohol. But specifically feeling stressed about money was also a top trigger, being named by nearly a quarter of smokers.
Six in 10 smokers (62%) admitted they smoke more when they are stressed, and unsurprisingly two thirds (67%) have been feeling more stressed since the cost-of-living crisis started. Concerningly, a similar figure (64%) said they worry nearly every day about the crisis. Two thirds (66%) of smokers also said the crisis is exacerbating other stresses in their lives.
Not only can smoking be detrimental to health, but also to one’s financial situation, and two thirds (66%) of smokers have agreed, admitting they are more conscious of how much cigarettes cost since the cost-of-living crisis began.
There is still a 14% smoking prevalence in the UK[i] and around 78,000 people die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses each year[ii].
Farah Ali, Superintendent Pharmacist and NiQuitin spokesperson said, “Financial stresses and concerns about the cost-of-living crisis are clearly having a troubling impact on smoking levels. Stress is a known trigger for smoking, but our study reveals money worries are currently having a direct impact on people reaching for cigarettes. Even worse, this is likely become a vicious cycle, as cigarettes are an expensive habit.
“Given all these pressures, we want to help as many people as we can to begin their journey to stopping smoking this Stoptober. With the help of stop-smoking aids like NiQuitin*, we want to show people that there is a way out.”
Farah Ali has shared her top tips for quitting smoking this Stoptober:
Tips to stop smoking this Stoptober
Find your reasons: The first thing to do before starting a stop smoking journey is list out your reasons for quitting. This can include saving money, getting healthier and countless other reasons. The list will remind you why you’re quitting when you’re finding it difficult and allow you to keep a running total of the benefits.
Set your goals: It is important to set a date and stick to it. Tell everyone you know that this is the date you plan to quit, allowing those closest to you to also be prepared, as this can help avoid tricky situations where other smokers might offer you a cigarette. Getting involved in Stoptober can help you frame some dates for your quitting journey.
Avoid other smokers: Where possible, avoid other smokers or situations where you know other people will be smoking. This is especially important during the first few weeks of your stop smoking journey, giving you the chance to avoid temptation as you work through the worst of the cravings – so, whether it’s the pub or the smoking area at work, stay away for now.
Use the 4 Ds: The four Ds can be really useful when quitting and are also easy to remember:
Distract: Keep your hands busy with puzzles or games, and use healthy snacks to keep your mouth busy
Delay: If you feel the urge to smoke, simply delay lighting up for as long as you can. The cravings will pass and you will still be smoke free
Deep breathing: Concentrate on your body and focus on your breathing when cravings are their strongest
Drink water: Slowly drink a glass of water to keep both your hands and mouth busy when you are craving a cigarette
Keep a journal: One way to help you deal with the worst cravings and keep you motivated along your journey is to keep a journal of how you are feeling. This can be cathartic and allows you to express your feelings, and you can also keep track of motivators like the money you’re saving or how your health is improving.
Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Nicotine replacement therapy is one of the best ways to quit smoking, providing you with a valuable tool in your fight against the worst cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It works by delivering the nicotine your body craves without the toxic chemicals contained within tobacco smoke. NRT products like NiQuitin’s range are usually found in patches, lozenges or tablets – but it is important you choose the right combination that is tailored to your smoking habits.
