Many Brits are turning to unhealthy habits in response to the rising cost of living, a recent study has found.
Nearly half of all smokers in the UK admit to smoking more cigarettes since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, according to a survey from stop-smoking brand NiQuitin.
They found that 46 percent of all users have smoked more cigarettes since the start of the crisis, with this figure increasing to 51 percent amongst those who smoke regularly.
Financial stress was found to be a main trigger for smoking, as reported by nearly a quarter of respondents.
Around 62 percent of participants admitted they smoke more when they are stressed, and unsurprisingly 67 percent have been feeling more stressed since the start of the cost-of-living crisis.
Concerningly, six in 10 said they worry nearly every day about the crisis, while 66 percent of smokers also said the crisis is exacerbating other stresses in their lives.
According to the NHS, around 78,000 people in the UK die every year from smoking, with many more living with debilitating smoking-related illnesses.
Farah Ali, superintendent pharmacist and NiQuitin spokesperson, told the Mirror: “Financial stresses and concerns about the cost-of-living crisis are clearly having a troubling impact on smoking levels.
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“Stress is a known trigger for smoking, but our study reveals money worries are currently having a direct impact on people reaching for cigarettes. Even worse, this is likely become a vicious cycle, as cigarettes are an expensive habit.
“Given all these pressures, we want to help as many people as we can to begin their journey to stopping smoking this Stoptober," she added.
The pharmacist has shared her top tips for quitting smoking this Stoptober - an annual event to encourage smokers to quit for 28 days in October, with the aim of stopping permanently.
Find your reasons
The first thing to do before starting a stop smoking journey is list out your reasons for quitting, this can include saving money, getting healthier and countless other reasons.
Farah explained: “The list will remind you why you’re quitting when you’re finding it difficult and allow you to keep a running total of the benefits.”
Set your goals
It is important to set a date and stick to it.
“Tell everyone you know that this is the date you plan to quit, allowing those closest to you to also be prepared, as this can help avoid tricky situations where other smokers might offer you a cigarette,” says Farah.
Getting involved in Stoptober can help you frame some dates for your quitting journey, the expert added.
Avoid other smokers
Where possible, avoid other smokers or situations where you know other people will be smoking.
The pharmacist said: “This is especially important during the first few weeks of your stop smoking journey, giving you the chance to avoid temptation as you work through the worst of the cravings - so, whether it’s the pub or the smoking area at work, stay away for now.”
Use the 4 Ds
The four Ds can be really useful when quitting and are also easy to remember:
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Distract: Keep your hands busy with puzzles or games, and use healthy snacks to keep your mouth busy
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Delay: If you feel the urge to smoke, simply delay lighting up for as long as you can. The cravings will pass and you will still be smoke free
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Deep breathing: Concentrate on your body and focus on your breathing when cravings are their strongest
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Drink water: Slowly drink a glass of water to keep both your hands and mouth busy when you are craving a cigarette
Keep a journal
One way to help you deal with the worst cravings and keep you motivated along your journey is to keep a journal of how you are feeling.
“This can be cathartic and allows you to express your feelings, and you can also keep track of motivators like the money you’re saving or how your health is improving,” Farah explains.
Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
According to Farah, nicotine replacement therapy is an effective way to quit smoking, providing you with a “valuable tool in your fight against the worst cravings and withdrawal symptoms”.
It works by delivering the nicotine your body craves without the toxic chemicals contained within tobacco smoke.
NRT products are usually found in patches, lozenges or tablets – but it is important you choose the right combination that is tailored to your smoking habits.
