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As a resident of the UK, I have watched with great interest over the years as the attitudes and regulations surrounding cigarettes have shifted. From the rise of the “health and wellness” movement to the increasing prevalence of smoking bans, the landscape for smokers in the UK has drastically changed. As someone who has smoked for over a decade, I have seen first-hand the impact of these changes and the effect that cigarettes have on our society.
Let’s start with a bit of history. Cigarettes have been a part of British culture for centuries, with the habit originating from the tobacco trade with the New World. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that cigarette smoking became popularized, thanks to the invention of rolling machines and the widespread use of cigarettes by soldiers during World War I. From then on, smoking became a common habit among all levels of society, with advertising campaigns and celebrity endorsements promoting its popularity.
In recent years, however, the tide has turned against cigarettes in the UK. In 2007, a nationwide smoking ban was implemented in all public indoor places, including pubs and restaurants. As a smoker, this was a difficult adjustment at first, but it was a necessary step to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. And while this ban has certainly limited the places where I can enjoy a cigarette, I have come to appreciate the cleaner air and healthier environment it has created.
But the restrictions on smoking didn’t stop there. In 2016, the UK became the second country in the world to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes, with graphic health warnings covering 65% of the packaging. As someone who used to enjoy the artistic designs and phrases on cigarette packs, this change was a shock. But upon reflection, I can see the logic behind it – a visually unappealing package may deter potential smokers, and the explicit health warnings drive home the dangers of this habit.
Despite these measures, however, the UK still has a significant number of smokers. According to the Office for National Statistics, as of 2020, around 14.7% of the population aged 18 and above are current smokers. This may seem like a small number, but it still equates to millions of people. As a smoker, I can attest that it is an addictive habit that is hard to break, despite the numerous health warnings and regulations.
One of the reasons behind this addiction is the availability and accessibility of cigarettes. Unlike other countries, the UK has not raised the legal age for buying cigarettes to 21, as some U.S. states have done. This means that young adults who are legally old enough to buy alcohol can also purchase cigarettes without much difficulty. And with cigarettes being sold in nearly every corner shop and supermarket, it is easy to satisfy the craving and continue the cycle of addiction.
Another significant factor is the price of cigarettes. In the UK, the average cost for a pack of 20 cigarettes is around £12, with a pack of premium brands such as Marlboro or Benson & Hedges costing even more. The high price tag is mainly due to taxes, with cigarettes being heavily taxed by the government to discourage smoking. While this may be an effective method for reducing smoking rates, it can also have a negative impact on low-income individuals who may continue to smoke despite the financial burden.
Yet, despite the high prices and the numerous regulations, cigarettes are still a thriving industry in the UK. This is in part due to the increasing popularity of vaping, which has been marketed as a “healthier” alternative to smoking. However, it should be noted that vaping is not without its risks – the long-term effects of inhaling vaporized nicotine are still unknown, and there have been reports of vaping-related illnesses and deaths in other countries.
But even with the rise of vaping, cigarettes continue to be the primary source of nicotine for smokers in the UK. And with the current COVID-19 pandemic, smoking has come under even more scrutiny. In addition to the respiratory issues caused by smoking, there is evidence to suggest that smokers are more at risk for severe symptoms if they contract the virus. This has led to calls for smokers to quit, both for their own health and the health of those around them.
As for me, I am constantly torn between my desire to quit smoking and the addiction that keeps me reaching for another cigarette. I am well aware of the health risks and the negative impact that cigarettes have on my life, but I also find comfort and relaxation in a quick smoke break. And with the constant stress and uncertainty of our current world, I have found myself smoking more often than before.
But despite my struggles with quitting, I cannot ignore the fact that cigarettes are a deadly habit. They are responsible for numerous health issues, including lung cancer and heart disease, and contribute to the premature deaths of thousands of people each year. The anti-smoking campaigns and regulations in the UK may not be perfect, but they serve as an important reminder of the dangers of this habit.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have come a long way since their introduction centuries ago. From being a widely accepted habit to a highly regulated and stigmatized one, the attitudes towards cigarettes have shifted drastically. As a smoker, I am constantly reminded of the dangers and consequences of my habit. While I cannot predict the future, I can only hope that the efforts to reduce smoking rates will continue, and eventually, cigarettes will become a thing of the past in the UK.