As someone who has grown up in the UK, cigarettes have always been a part of my life. From seeing my parents smoke during family gatherings to my own teenage years of rebelling and trying them myself, cigarettes have constantly been present in my surroundings. However, as I have grown and become more aware of the impact that smoking has on not only my health, but also the people and environment around me, my view on cigarettes has drastically changed.
In the UK, cigarettes have been a popular commodity for decades. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2019, 14.1% of adults in the UK were smokers, which is equivalent to around 6.9 million people. Despite numerous anti-smoking campaigns and laws implemented to reduce the number of smokers, cigarettes continue to be a major part of British culture. It is almost as if cigarettes are deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, from the red phone boxes and double-decker buses to iconic figures like James Bond with his lit cigarette.
Growing up, I was always intrigued by the allure and mystery surrounding cigarettes. I remember watching movies and television shows where characters would smoke and it always seemed to add to their coolness. It wasn’t until I reached my teenage years that I finally mustered up the courage to try a cigarette myself. At first, it was just a way to fit in with my friends and seem more adult-like, but little did I know that I would quickly become addicted.
The addiction to cigarettes is something that I believe many smokers can relate to. It starts with just one cigarette, then before you know it, you are smoking a pack a day. The nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive and it is the prime reason why it is so difficult for smokers to quit. I remember trying to quit multiple times and always falling back into the habit. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I made a conscious effort to quit for good. As someone who has experienced the grasp of nicotine addiction, I can confidently say that cigarettes are not worth the harmful effects they have on our bodies.
One of the most well-known dangers of smoking is the increased risk of cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, smoking is responsible for around 30% of all cancer deaths in the UK. This statistic alone is alarming and should be enough incentive for smokers to quit. In addition to cancer, smoking also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases. As I learned more about the detrimental effects of smoking, I couldn’t believe I had been putting myself at such a high risk for these health issues.
Not only does smoking have negative effects on the individual, but it also has a significant impact on the environment and those around us. Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter in the UK, with an estimated 122 tonnes discarded every day. These butts are not only an eyesore but also incredibly harmful to the environment as they contain chemicals that can seep into the soil and water, polluting our ecosystems. Moreover, secondhand smoke from cigarettes is just as harmful as directly inhaling it. Those who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for the same health issues as smokers, including cancer and respiratory diseases.
As a non-smoker for several years now, I have seen the positive impact it has had on my life and the lives of those around me. I no longer have to sneak away for a quick smoke break and I am no longer constantly craving nicotine. Furthermore, I have noticed a considerable improvement in my overall health, including better lung function and an enhanced sense of smell and taste.
However, the journey to quitting cigarettes was not an easy one. The nicotine cravings, the withdrawal symptoms, and the constant urge to smoke were all challenging obstacles to overcome. Thankfully, the UK offers various resources to help smokers quit, such as the NHS Stop Smoking services, which provide free support and advice. There are also nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum, that can help alleviate cravings. These resources were crucial in helping me quit and I am grateful for the support that was readily available.
In recent years, the UK has implemented stricter laws and regulations on cigarettes in an effort to reduce smoking rates. The most significant change was the implementation of plain packaging in 2017, which requires all cigarette packages to have a standardized design and include graphic health warnings. This tactic has proven to be effective in other countries like Australia, where smoking rates have declined since implementing plain packaging in 2012. In addition to plain packaging, the UK also introduced a ban on menthol cigarettes in 2020 and has raised the legal age to purchase cigarettes to 18.
These measures are steps in the right direction, but ultimately, it is up to the individual to make the decision to quit smoking. As a society, we need to continue to raise awareness and educate the public on the harmful effects of smoking. We also need to provide accessible resources and support for those who want to quit.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a long and complicated history. They have been a part of British culture for decades, but it is time for a shift in perspective. As someone who has experienced the negative impact of smoking, I urge smokers to seriously consider the effects it has on their health, the environment, and the people around them. Quitting cigarettes may be one of the most challenging things you do, but it is also one of the most beneficial decisions you can make for yourself and those you love. Let’s work towards a smoke-free UK, for a healthier and brighter future for all.