Stop smoking
New research, conducted to coincide with National No Smoking Day today, has looked into the differing habits, behaviours and emotions that encourage smokers to continue with the harmful carcinogenic habit. .
The survey conducted by SKYCIG, which polled 1,000 smokers across the UK, tellingly reveals that the majority of male smokers smoke the most when they are out with friends, pubbing, clubbing and drinking, compared to just 48% of women.
In contrast, one fifth of female smokers admit that they smoke the most when they are alone - walking to work or waiting for friends, for example – which suggests smoking is seen as less of a social activity and more a habit undertaken in private.
Interestingly, one third of the women surveyed also smoke the most when they are stressed, using it as a coping mechanism to preserve their inner calm. Whereas, one fifth of men smoke when they are relaxing or content – for them, it’s an enjoyable experience, helping them unwind at the end of the day.
Jo Hemmings, Behavioural Psychologist, comments: “The results also echo the recent findings on alcohol consumption; especially with smoking and drinking often undertaken together. This divided behaviour suggests that smoking is seen as more socially acceptable for men. This is surprising, particularly in the modern day, and could be indicative that women potentially attribute an element of shame to their smoking behaviour. This is further supported by the results, since for some women, smoking is not as enjoyable when compared to men, but rather used as a de-stressing tool.
“As women are more likely to smoke alone as a coping mechanism, when compared to men, the psychological effects of nicotine addiction become more accelerated – if having a cigarette is a ‘reward’ for overcoming stress or anxiety, becoming dependent on that stress / reward cycle is a much faster process.”
The survey reveals that the majority of smokers have tried to quit up to six times, with a higher number of females attempting to kick the habit when paralleled to men.
These results indicate that women are more attentive to the health warnings when compared to their male counterparts. However, the survey also highlights that over a third of all smokers polled, did not want to give up because they enjoy the habit too much.
Jo Hemmings, Behavioural Psychologist, states: “One of the problems with smoking is that the behavioural triggers which make people reach for a cigarette have become deeply embedded in their lives, meaning that smoking is often an auto-response, rather than a conscious decision. Breaking these embedded habits can be incredibly difficult for many smokers as we can see from over a third of smokers being reluctant to give up the pleasure factor of smoking.
“These psychological factors don’t respond well to simple nicotine replacement based treatments – many smokers need the feel to have the pleasure ritual associated with lighting up – in other words, a cigarette-style prop, without the unhealthy consequences.”
With plenty of help on offer to smokers it's important to take the step to better your health.
Electronic cigarettes may just be the answer to this.
Related article: Alternative smoking - electronic cigarettes
With the number of e-cigarette users in the UK approaching one million, Intellicig has compiled new guidance to help smokers make informed decisions about the electronic alternative.
Anthony Sefton, Head of Intellicig Europe, said: “There’s been so much said about e-cigarettes over the past two years that you can’t blame smokers for feeling confused about their effectiveness. As a responsible manufacture with a track record of rigorous quality and safety testing, Intellicig is well positioned to offer reliable guidance.”
To tie in with National No Smoking Day on Wednesday March 13th, Intellicig, maker of the e-cigarettes, has listed eight vital questions that smokers should bear in mind if they are thinking of swapping tobacco for the reduced-harm nicotine inhalation devices.
1) Are the ingredients clearly listed on the packaging?
The most important component of any e-cigarette is the nicotine preparation (or e-liquid) inside that is converted into a vapour for inhalation. The principal ingredients are nicotine, water and a solvent, which could be propylene glycol or, better still, glycerol, which has been shown to cause less throat irritation. Look for a list of ingredients to be sure about what you are inhaling.
2) What is the nicotine content?
The nicotine content of electronic cigarettes is a crucial factor to consider. It should always be pharmaceutical standard nicotine – so look for evidence of that. Some e-cigarettes deliver different amounts, but the nicotine content should be consistent and clearly labeled.
3) What kind of testing has been done to ensure the safety of the e-cigarettes?
A continuous testing programme is important to ensure product quality and safety remain consistent. Each product should carry a batch number for traceability, and the manufacturer should be committed to a schedule of batch testing to ensure standards are maintained.
4) Is there a helpline to call for information and advice?
If you have any problems with your e-cigarette or questions about using it, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer. Check to see if they have a good website and access to a helpline for customer support.
5) Where are the e-cigarette and e-liquid manufactured?
Many e-cigarette products are imported wholly from the Far East, where UK-standard manufacturing practices and scrutiny may not be applied. This could have an impact on which brand a smoker decides to choose.
6) Are you trying to quit smoking?
If so, e-cigarettes may not be right for you. E-cigarettes are not promoted as smoking cessation devices. They offer smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit a reduced-harm alternative which allow them to continue enjoying a pleasurable and familiar method for satisfying their nicotine cravings, but without the harmful by-products of tobacco combustion.
7) What if you don’t like them?
While aiming to closely replicate the experience of smoking a cigarette, e-cigarettes are undoubtedly different, and some smokers may not feel comfortable with them. Although a few days of adjustment are recommended, your e-cigarette brand should offer a money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
8) How many do you need to buy?
Your e-cigarette starter kit and refills should come with an indication of the equivalent number of cigarettes, to help you keep track of your intake. But bear in mind that everyone smokes differently so that is only an approximate guideline. Also remember that, unlike a real cigarette, you can pick it up and put it down as you wish, giving you complete control.
