I have been a smoker for over 10 years now, and one thing that has remained constant throughout is the ease of access to cigarettes in the UK. From corner shops to supermarkets, it seems like there is always a place to buy a pack of cigarettes. However, as I have become more aware of the harmful effects of smoking, I have started to question the popularity and availability of these products in our country. In this article, I will delve deeper into the world of cigarettes in the UK, from their history to their impact on society.
The history of smoking in the UK can be traced back to the 16th century when tobacco was first introduced to England by Sir Walter Raleigh. It quickly gained popularity among the upper class and became a symbol of wealth and status. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that cigarettes, in their modern form, were invented. In the 20th century, smoking became more widespread, especially among soldiers during World War I. The government even provided free cigarettes to soldiers as a morale booster. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s when the link between smoking and health hazards, such as lung cancer, was established. This marked the beginning of efforts by the government to control and regulate the consumption of cigarettes in the UK.
Today, cigarettes are heavily taxed in the UK. In fact, according to Statista, the UK had the highest cigarette prices in Europe in 2020, with an average pack costing around £12.85. This is due to the high tobacco duty imposed by the government, which serves as a deterrent to smoking. However, despite the high cost, the UK still has a high number of smokers. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2020, 15.5% of adults in the UK were smokers, with the number being slightly higher for men than women. This begs the question, why do people still choose to smoke despite the known health risks and high costs?
For me, personally, smoking started as a way to fit in with my friends. It was seen as a cool and rebellious thing to do in my teenage years. I remember feeling excited whenever I bought a pack of cigarettes, like I was part of an exclusive club. However, as time went on, I realised that smoking was not as glamorous as it seemed. I quickly became addicted and found myself unable to go through a day without a cigarette. It also became a financial burden, with the constant need to buy more packs. However, quitting was not as easy as I thought it would be.
This is due to the highly addictive substance found in cigarettes – nicotine. Nicotine is a chemical that acts on the brain to create a feeling of pleasure and relaxation. However, this feeling is short-lived and is often followed by withdrawal symptoms, which can be both physical and psychological. The physical withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, while the psychological withdrawal symptoms include cravings and depression. This makes it incredibly difficult for smokers to quit, and it’s not surprising that many people give up on their attempts.
The ease of access to cigarettes in the UK also contributes to the high number of smokers. As I mentioned earlier, cigarettes can be found almost anywhere, from supermarkets to newsagents. This makes it incredibly easy for people to purchase them, even if they are underage. The legal age for purchasing cigarettes in the UK is 18, but it’s not uncommon to see teenagers smoking. It’s also worrying to see the number of young people who start smoking as a result of peer pressure or to seem cool. As a society, we need to do more to restrict the access of cigarettes to minors.
Apart from the health risks and addictive nature of cigarettes, there are also environmental concerns surrounding their production and consumption. Tobacco farming has a significant impact on the environment, with deforestation being a major issue. Trees are cut down to make space for tobacco fields, and this contributes to climate change. The production process also produces a large amount of waste and pollution. As for the consumption side, cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered worldwide each year, and they can take up to 10 years to decompose, leading to the pollution of our land and water.
In addition to the environmental impact, smoking also has a significant impact on the healthcare system. According to a report by the NHS, smoking-related illnesses cost the UK economy approximately £14.7 billion every year, including healthcare costs and lost productivity. This is a staggering amount that could be used for much more important things if smoking was reduced in the country.
So, what can be done to reduce the prevalence of smoking in the UK? The government already has various measures in place, such as high taxes, anti-smoking campaigns, and regulations on smoking in public places. However, I believe more needs to be done. Stricter control on the sale of cigarettes to minors, increasing awareness about the health risks of smoking, and providing support to help smokers quit are all steps that can be taken to address this issue. Additionally, investing in alternative industries and providing economic incentives for farmers to switch from tobacco farming to other crops could also contribute to reducing the production of cigarettes.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a long history and continue to be a controversial topic. While the government has taken steps to control and regulate their consumption, more needs to be done to address the negative impacts of smoking, such as health risks, environmental damage, and strain on the healthcare system. As for me, I am still trying to quit, and I hope one day I’ll be able to kick this habit for good. But for now, I hope this article has shed some light on the issue of cigarettes in the UK and encourages others to think twice before lighting up a cigarette.