As someone who has grown up in the UK, cigarettes have always been a common sight in our society. From the branded packs lining the shelves in corner shops to the sight of someone lighting up on the street, cigarettes have become a norm in our everyday lives. However, as I’ve grown older and become more aware of the impact of cigarettes on both individuals and society as a whole, my perspective on them has drastically changed.
The first time I tried a cigarette was when I was sixteen. It was at a party with friends, and I remember feeling cool and rebellious as I took that first puff. But as the years went by, smoking became less of a social activity and more of a crutch. I found myself relying on cigarettes to relieve stress, boredom, and even to just pass the time. Before I knew it, I was a regular smoker.
But it wasn’t until I started noticing the physical effects that smoking was having on me that I began to take a step back and evaluate my habit. It started with the persistent cough, then the shortness of breath, and eventually, the yellowing of my teeth and fingers. I also noticed that my sense of taste and smell had significantly decreased. It was a wake-up call, and I knew I needed to make a change.
One of the things that struck me the most was the cost of smoking. I never really paid attention to the money I was spending on cigarettes, but when I calculated it, I was shocked. A pack a day habit was costing me over £300 a month. That’s enough to take a weekend trip or buy a new wardrobe. I couldn’t believe I was essentially burning my money away, quite literally.
But aside from the personal impact, cigarettes also have a significant impact on our society. The UK has been at the forefront of anti-smoking campaigns for years, and for a good reason. According to the NHS, smoking is responsible for around 78,000 deaths in the UK every year. That’s more than 200 deaths per day. Not only does smoking contribute to a range of health problems such as lung cancer and heart disease, but it also puts a strain on our healthcare system, costing the NHS billions of pounds each year.
Moreover, smoking also has a devastating effect on the environment. Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world, and they can take up to 10 years to decompose. This causes harm to wildlife and marine life, as well as polluting our parks, beaches, and streets. The production of cigarettes also contributes to deforestation, and the chemicals used in the manufacturing process can contaminate water sources.
Despite all these negative effects, cigarettes are still readily available and heavily marketed in the UK. The packaging and branding of cigarettes have been a hotly debated topic for years, with many calling for stricter regulations. In 2016, the UK implemented ‘plain packaging,’ where all cigarettes are sold in standardised, plain packs with prominent health warnings. However, the impact of these regulations on smoking rates is still debatable.
In addition to plain packaging, the UK also has strict laws on smoking in public places. Indoor smoking is banned in all public spaces, including pubs, restaurants, and workplaces. This has led to a significant decline in the number of smokers, with rates dropping from 27% in 2000 to 15.5% in 2019. The government has also implemented heavy taxes on tobacco products, with the aim of discouraging people from smoking while also raising funds for public health initiatives.
However, despite these efforts, smoking is still prevalent in certain demographics and regions of the UK. It’s not uncommon to see young adults smoking outside of universities or in low-income areas. The addictive nature of cigarettes, coupled with easy access and peer pressure, makes it challenging for individuals to quit, even if they want to.
Personal experiences and societal norms aside, cigarettes are undoubtedly a profitable industry. In the UK, British American Tobacco (BAT) is the leading tobacco manufacturer, with a market share of over 40%. The industry not only benefits from the sales of cigarettes, but also from the development and marketing of alternative nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. While these products are touted as ‘healthier’ alternatives, they still contain nicotine and can lead to addiction.
So where does that leave us as a society? On one hand, we have the negative impact of smoking on individuals, society, and the environment. On the other hand, we have a profitable industry that has a significant presence in our culture. As an individual, the decision to quit smoking ultimately lies with me. I am responsible for my own health and wellbeing. But as a society, we also have a responsibility to protect our citizens from harmful substances and promote a healthier way of living.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a complex and controversial place in our society. From personal experiences to societal norms and the impact of the industry, cigarettes continue to be a hot topic. As an ex-smoker, I can attest to the challenges of quitting and the personal benefits of doing so. I truly hope that efforts to reduce smoking rates in the UK continue, and that future generations will not have to face the same struggles that many of us have faced in our journey with cigarettes.