kiss cigarettes
As someone who grew up in the United Kingdom, cigarettes have always been a part of my surroundings. From seeing adults smoking on the streets to my friends starting to experiment with them in their teenage years, cigarettes have always been easily accessible and somewhat normalized in the UK. However, as I have grown older and become more aware of the harmful effects of smoking, my perception has shifted, and I have developed a more critical view of cigarettes and their impact on our society. In this article, I will be sharing my thoughts and observations on cigarettes in the UK, from the prevalence of smoking to the government’s efforts to curb the habit.
Firstly, it’s essential to address the prevalence of smoking in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 14.1% of adults in the UK are current smokers. While this number has been steadily declining in recent years, it’s still a significant percentage of the population. Growing up, I remember seeing smokers everywhere; on the streets, in pubs, even in designated smoking areas of schools. Smoking was a part of everyday life, and it was not uncommon for children to start smoking at a young age. I remember hearing stories of teenage parties where cigarettes were readily available, and smoking was viewed as a cool and rebellious act.
But why is smoking so prevalent in the UK? It could be attributed to various factors, such as the easily accessible and affordable nature of cigarettes. With vending machines and corner shops selling cigarettes, it’s all too easy for people to buy them without much thought. There is also the issue of tobacco advertising, which was allowed until 2002 in the UK. The constant exposure to advertisements glamorizing smoking and associating it with a certain lifestyle could have influenced people, especially teenagers, to take up the habit. However, it’s worth noting that the UK has strict laws regarding tobacco advertising now, and it’s highly regulated.
While smoking has become less socially acceptable in recent years, it’s still prevalent in certain demographics. For instance, smoking rates are higher among people living in more deprived areas of the UK, with over 19% of adults in the most deprived areas being smokers, compared to 7% in the least deprived areas. There could be various reasons for this, such as a lack of education about the harmful effects of smoking, and perhaps cheaper cigarettes being more appealing to those with lower incomes.
Another issue that contributes to the high prevalence of smoking in the UK is the addictiveness of cigarettes. As an ex-smoker myself, I can attest to how challenging it is to quit smoking once you become addicted. Nicotine, the main ingredient in cigarettes, is a highly addictive substance, and quitting is not as simple as just “putting it down.” It takes immense willpower, and sometimes even medical assistance, to break the addiction. I remember constantly telling myself that I would quit one day, but it was a constant struggle until I finally managed to kick the habit for good.
So, with all these factors contributing to the high prevalence of smoking in the UK, what is being done to reduce it? One of the most prominent efforts is the government’s annual campaign during “Stoptober,” where smokers are encouraged to quit for the entire month of October. The campaign is backed by various organizations and offers support and resources for those wanting to quit. Another notable effort is the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes, with graphic health warnings covering at least 65% of the package. The idea behind this is to reduce the appeal of smoking, particularly among young people, and to constantly remind smokers of the health risks.
Another significant push towards reducing smoking in the UK is the introduction of the smoking ban in 2007. It prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, including workplaces, restaurants, and pubs. This has undoubtedly had a positive impact, not only in reducing the exposure to second-hand smoke for non-smokers but also in making it less socially acceptable to smoke in public places. I remember the initial uproar when the ban was first introduced, but now it has become the norm, and people are used to stepping outside if they want to smoke.
However, despite these efforts, there are still challenges in reducing smoking in the UK. One major obstacle is the tobacco industry’s constant efforts to find new ways to market their products and keep people hooked. From introducing new products, such as e-cigarettes, to finding ways around regulations, the tobacco industry continues to thrive. It’s estimated that the UK’s tobacco industry is worth over £15 billion and employs around 378,000 people. With such a lucrative industry, it’s no surprise that there is constant lobbying to prevent stricter regulations and maintain the status quo.
Moreover, there is also the issue of social attitudes towards smoking. While it has become less socially acceptable, some still view smoking as a personal choice, despite the harm it can cause to others through second-hand smoke. There’s also the romanticized depiction of smoking in media and popular culture, which can influence young people’s perceptions and attitudes towards smoking. It’s crucial for societal attitudes to shift, not only in seeing smoking as a public health issue but also in understanding the societal and economic impact that smoking has.
In conclusion, cigarettes have been a prevalent and normalized part of the UK’s culture for decades, but attitudes towards smoking are slowly shifting. With various efforts from the government and organizations, smoking rates have decreased, and there has been a significant change in social attitudes towards the habit. However, there are still challenges in reducing smoking in the UK, particularly with the tobacco industry’s constant efforts to maintain their profits. It’s crucial for us as a society to continue educating and bringing awareness to the harmful effects of smoking and changing our attitudes towards it. As an ex-smoker, I know firsthand the struggles of quitting, but I also know that it’s worth it for the sake of our health and the health of those around us. Let’s continue to work towards a smoke-free UK.