Cigarettes in the UK: Exploring the Popularity of Smoking
Talking about smoking in the UK is like opening a wound so old that it has barely ever healed. It is something that has been associated with the country for so long that it sometimes feels as if it is ingrained in our culture. The popularity of cigarette smoking is reflected in the numbers, with smoking being the leading cause of preventable deaths in the UK, with over 79,000 deaths annually.
Despite the many anti-smoking campaigns that have been pushed to try and dissuade smokers, the fact remains that cigarettes are still a beloved and cherished habit of so many in the country. It is an interesting subject to explore, whist it can make us uncomfortable, and we fear that it could potentially harm ourselves or those around us, the truth remains clear as day. Smoking cigarettes in the UK is still a popular thing to do, even today.
One of the main reasons why cigarettes tend to appeal to so many in the UK is down to their convenience. Cigarettes are small, they are discreet. Many of the busier cities in England are filled with little stores that allow one to pick up a pack quickly and for relatively cheap, allowing those who want to continue their habit to still go about it with relative ease. It’s often cited as one of the main advantages of smoking regularly, when compared to other, more dangerous substances that can easily become addictive.
Aside from convenience, the ritualistic aspects of smoking cigarettes also seem to be a real draw for so many. Lighting a cigarette is like a ritual, the way to fold it into your hand and take your first drag of smoke is something that is very familiar to those who have been smoking for years, and it’s also a great way to relax and take a few moments for yourself. There’s definitely an appeal to the idea that, if only for a few moments, the world slows down and you can take the time to really appreciate the smoke.
The imagery that comes with smoking cigarettes in the UK is also a real draw for some people. The idea of sitting on a smoke-filled terrace in the city, with a beer in hand and a cigarette in the other, is seen as a luxurious and romantic notion to many. It’s something that is often associated with, and loved, by those who partake in the activity.
Finally, it’s worth remembering the social aspect of cigarettes in the UK. Countless pubs and clubs are filled with people coming together to share a cigarette with friends, to gossip, and to let off some steam. It’s a great way to break the tension and connect with those around us, and many consider this one of the main appeals of smoking in the UK.
Whilst it is true that cigarette smoking in the UK is the leading cause of preventable deaths, it is still something that is loved by so many, and it is not without its appeal. The main draws are convenience, ritual, imagery, and the social aspect, which have kept so many returning to their cigarettes despite the risks.