As a regular smoker in the UK, cigarettes have become a part of my daily routine. From starting my day with a morning cigarette to ending my evening with one, they have become an integral part of my life. However, as I have grown older and become more aware of the dangers and stigmas surrounding smoking, I can’t help but reflect on the impact cigarettes have on not only myself, but also on society as a whole.
According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 17% of adults in the UK smoke, which equates to around 7.4 million people. This statistic has been on a steady decline, with more and more people quitting smoking every year. But for those of us who continue to smoke, what is it about cigarettes that keeps us hooked?
Let’s start with the obvious – nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is found in tobacco, the main ingredient in cigarettes. When it enters the body, it causes a rush of dopamine, a feel-good chemical, which creates a sense of pleasure and relaxation. As a smoker, I can attest to the feeling of relief and calmness that comes with lighting up a cigarette, especially during stressful situations. However, this feeling is short-lived and often followed by a craving for more.
Aside from the physical addiction, there is also the psychological aspect of smoking. Smoking has been glamorized in popular culture for decades, with images of movie stars and musicians coolly smoking cigarettes, giving off an air of sophistication and rebellion. As a teenager, I was drawn to this image and believed that smoking made me appear more mature and edgy. However, as I have grown older, I have come to realize that smoking is anything but glamorous.
One of the biggest downsides of smoking is the effect it has on our health. Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 69 of them known to cause cancer. These chemicals can damage almost every organ in the body and are the leading cause of preventable death in the UK. Smoking has been linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and respiratory diseases. Not to mention the impact it has on the appearance of our skin and teeth, with the chemicals in cigarettes contributing to premature aging and yellow stains.
It’s not just our health that suffers from smoking, but also the environment. Cigarette filters are made of a non-biodegradable plastic called cellulose acetate, which can take up to 10 years to decompose. As a result, cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world, with an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts improperly disposed of every year. Not only is this an eyesore, but cigarettes butts also release toxins into the environment, polluting our waterways and harming wildlife.
Despite all of these negative aspects of smoking, it can be incredibly difficult to quit. I have tried to quit multiple times, but the withdrawal symptoms and cravings always seem to bring me back to smoking. This is where the cigarette industry comes into play. Cigarette companies have been routinely accused of targeting vulnerable populations, such as young people and low-income communities, with their marketing tactics. From colorful packaging to celebrity endorsements, they use various strategies to make smoking seem appealing and enticing, making it even harder for individuals to quit.
In addition to this, the UK has a long history of lobbying and political influence by the tobacco industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, the cigarette companies were able to sway government policies, which resulted in a delay in advertising bans and minimal tax increases. However, in recent years, the UK government has taken a more proactive stance towards reducing smoking rates. From introducing plain packaging and graphic health warnings on cigarette packets to banning smoking in public places, efforts have been made to discourage smoking, particularly among young people.
One of the main controversies surrounding smoking in the UK is the cost. The price of cigarettes has been steadily increasing over the years, with the intention of making them less affordable and therefore reducing the number of smokers. This has led to an increase in illegal tobacco and the rise of a black market. Many argue that the high cost of cigarettes disproportionately affects low-income communities, who are more likely to smoke and find it difficult to quit due to financial constraints. On the other hand, the government argues that the money generated from tobacco taxes is used to fund public services, such as the National Health Service (NHS), that are needed to treat smoking-related illnesses.
As a smoker, I am constantly aware of the health risks and stigmas associated with smoking. I am also constantly reminded of the impact it has on the environment and the pressure it puts on my finances. However, smoking is a habit that is difficult to break, and for some of us, it has become a coping mechanism for dealing with stress and anxiety. While I understand the efforts being made by the government to reduce smoking rates, I believe there should also be more support and resources available for individuals who want to quit.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK are not just a personal choice, but a complex and controversial topic with many layers. From the addictive nature of nicotine to the influence of the tobacco industry and government policies, smoking is an issue that cannot be tackled from just one angle. As a society, we must continue to have open and honest discussions about the impact of cigarettes, both personally and on a larger scale, in order to help individuals make informed decisions about their smoking habits.