February 27, 2013
Fags over family? Smoker’s choice sparks hate from loved
ones
Nearly a third of smokers surveyed admit their children or
family hates them smoking and a quarter enjoy smoking less nowadays
because they feel more guilty about it.
Proving loved ones can often come a poor
second to cigarettes, almost one in five of
smokers confessed they could buy more for their family if they were
to quit smoking, according to figures we've released to
mark the launch of the thirtieth annual No Smoking
Day campaign.
The data showed money matters often prick the
conscience of smokers; as just over a third said
they feel guilty about the amount they spend on
cigarettes and a similar number stated they avoid thinking about
it.
Not only were smokers keen to dodge
calculations on cost but self-deception was also evident, as
one in five acknowledged they probably
underestimate how much they spend on
cigarettes.
Out of the 2,000 smokers
questioned, a quarter surprisingly reported that money is actually
a bigger motivator to quit smoking than the effects on their
long-term health.
What could you get if you swapped your fags for swag?
Put in the number you smoke per day or per week and find
out:
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We're using this insight for our
No Smoking
Day campaign this year by encouraging smokers to
‘
swap fags for swag’ and think about the financial
incentives of quitting. An average smoker, based on 20 a day, can
save
£7 a day,
£49 a week,
£210 a month and
£2,555 a year if
they quit.
Our Associate Medical Director, Dr Mike
Knapton, said: “These figures reveal the emotional
burden smokers endure by feeling guilty about the impact
their addiction has on family life and their finances. Fortunately,
if you smoke and want to stop, we’re here to help.
“More than 750,000 smokers
will attempt to quit on No Smoking Day on
Wednesday 13 March so why not get ready to join in
and reward yourself and your family with the money you save when
you ‘swap fags for swag’.”
Each year, the No Smoking Day campaign is
responsible for helping more than 750,000 people across the UK
attempt to quit on the day, and for inspiring another 1.5
million to seek out information to help them quit in
future.
Approximately 10 million UK
adults smoke but about two thirds say they want to give up.
Smokers who want to find out more can visit
WeQuit.co.uk,
or call our free helpline on 0800 434 6677