As a UK resident, I have been surrounded by cigarettes my entire life. From the early days of my parents smoking in the house to today’s strict smoking laws, cigarettes have always been a part of my environment. It wasn’t until recently that I began to truly think about the impact of cigarettes on our society and the individuals who smoke them.

First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room – smoking kills. It is a well-known fact that cigarettes are harmful to our health, yet people continue to smoke. According to Cancer Research UK, there were over 77,000 deaths attributable to smoking in 2016. That’s a staggering number, and it only includes deaths from cancer. Smoking can also lead to heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases. With these statistics in mind, it’s hard to understand why anyone would willingly light up a cigarette.

The history of cigarettes in the UK dates back to the 16th century when the tobacco plant was first introduced to Europe. It gained popularity in the 19th century when machines were introduced, making the production of cigarettes more efficient. By the early 20th century, smoking became a widespread habit, and it wasn’t until the 1950s that the negative health effects were recognized.

In the UK, cigarettes are heavily taxed, and their sale is heavily regulated. The current age to legally purchase cigarettes is 18, and it is illegal to sell them to anyone under that age. However, this does not stop underage individuals from smoking. I remember when I was 16, and my friends and I would try to buy cigarettes from corner shops or ask older students to get them for us. Thankfully, most shops are now vigilant in checking identification before making a sale.

The price of cigarettes in the UK has gradually increased over the years due to the sin tax placed on them. The average price for a pack of 20 cigarettes is around £10. This high cost has encouraged many people to quit smoking, but for others, it has just become a necessary expense. I have seen people who are struggling financially continue to smoke, even though it means sacrificing other necessities.

Despite the high cost and health risks, smoking remains a prevalent habit in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2018, 14.4% of adults in the UK smoked. This may not seem like a large percentage, but it translates to over 7 million people. The highest percentage of smokers is in the 25-34 age group, closely followed by the 35-49 age group. This is concerning as these are the prime ages for starting families and taking care of children. The impact of secondhand smoke on children is equally harmful, if not more, than that on adults.

One of the main reasons people continue to smoke is addiction. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that keeps people hooked. It is estimated that it takes an average of 8-11 attempts for someone to successfully quit smoking. This speaks to the power of addiction and the difficulty of giving it up.

Another factor that contributes to the continuance of smoking is the social aspect. Many smokers have formed their social groups through smoking. They gather outside buildings for “smoko,” use cigarette breaks as a way to mingle with co-workers, and bond with friends over a smoke. This social aspect of smoking can make it even more challenging to quit as people fear losing their social circle.

In recent years, there has been a push for smoke-free public places. In England, it is now illegal to smoke in enclosed public areas such as pubs, restaurants, and workplaces. This has been met with mixed reactions, with some people applauding the measures for protecting non-smokers’ health, while others view it as a violation of their rights. However, for many non-smokers, these laws have made a significant impact. Gone are the days when you would leave a restaurant or pub smelling like a walking ashtray. These laws have also encouraged many smokers to cut down on their habit, as they can no longer smoke inside their favorite establishments.

So, what is being done to tackle smoking in the UK? The government has implemented a tobacco control plan, which aims to reduce smoking rates to 12% or lower by 2022. This includes measures such as increasing taxes on tobacco products, restricting the use of advertising and packaging, providing access to support for quitting, and enforcing smoke-free public places. These efforts have shown some success, with a gradual decline in smoking rates over the years.

In addition to government initiatives, there are also organizations that offer support for those looking to quit smoking. The NHS offers a Smokefree program, which provides free medication and counseling to help individuals quit. There are also quit-smoking apps, online support groups, and even hypnotherapy sessions available for those looking for alternative methods. It is essential to note that quitting smoking is a personal journey, and different methods work for different people.

As someone who has never been a smoker, it’s hard for me to understand why someone would choose to do something that is so detrimental to their health. However, I also recognize that smoking is not just a personal choice but a complex addiction with various societal factors at play. It is evident that smoking has been ingrained in our culture for centuries, and it will take time, effort, and a collective effort to move away from it.

In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK are a highly controversial subject. On one hand, we have the addictive substance that causes harm to individuals and those around them. On the other hand, we have a long-standing habit that has become a part of our society and culture. While progress has been made in reducing smoking rates, there is still a long way to go. As a society, we must continue to educate ourselves and support those who are looking to quit. Let’s work towards a smoke-free future for the health and well-being of our society.