LONDON, October 31 /PRNewswire/ --
LONDON, October 31 /PRNewswire/ --
According to research revealed this Halloween, 67% of smokersare choosing cigarettes over any other treats such as their favourite drink,eating out, going to a concert or pampering themselves[1].
A survey of more than 2,500 people across the UK suggests smokers aredoing without because of their addiction to smoking, as 85% are denyingthemselves everyday treats such as chocolate, magazines or buying music[1].
The 'Nicorette Cig or Treat?' survey also revealed that less than one infive (18%) smokers treat themselves by going to the theatre, cinema orconcert whilst 41% of non-smokers indulge themselves in this way[1].
Nearly four out of ten (39%) smokers questioned for the survey say theydon't have enough money to treat themselves more often, whilst 16% say itnever occurs to them and one in ten saying treating themselves made them feelguilty[1].
Only a meagre 15% of smokers give themselves an everyday treat althoughthey admit that treating themselves more often could make them feel happier[1].
Lizzy Steele, Life Coach commented, "these findings worryingly show thatsmokers are choosing cigs over treats this Halloween and suggests thatsmokers are not enjoying enough pleasure on a regular basis to be healthyhappy people. Smoking is very expensive so focusing on healthy treats thatthey can indulge in and goals they can achieve by stopping smoking, shouldhelp motivate more people stop smoking this Halloween.
Smoking is both a psychological and physiological addiction. Focusing onand working towards a goal, like saving up for a family holiday for example,can be used as motivation to quit smoking."
The survey also revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of male smokerswould give up smoking for more sex, although less than one in ten (8%) ofwomen smokers felt the same. Surprisingly only 2% of women would stop smokingin exchange for designer clothes, shoes and accessories. However, accordingto the study the one treat that would motivate one in ten (10%) smokers togive up was the promise of taking their family on holiday[1].
Cigarette smoking also appears to deplete smokers bank balance as anaverage smoker will spend about GBP670 2 a year on smoking related expensesand penalties (such as insurance premiums) - on top of the cost ofcigarettes. This puts the total annual cost of smoking at GBP2,500 - enoughto pay for a fantastic family holiday, a designer wardrobe or top footballclub season tickets[2].
To help smokers work out what they could indulge themselves in if theychose treat over cigs this Halloween Nicorette have developed an online quizwhich is available at www.nicorette.co.uk/cigortreat.
References:
1. YouGov survey. 'Smoking' Fieldwork dates: 5th-9th October 2006
2. NHS. Smokers Annual Bill, NHS Smoking Helpline, September 2006(www.givingupsmoking.co.uk/CNI/current_campaign/press/20_09_06B/)
Notes to Editors:
1. You Gov conducted the 'Nicorette Cig or Treat?' online survey amongst2,559 GB Adults in October 2006. Data has been weighted to the known profileof GB Adults from the Census.
2. Smokers Annual Bill, NHS Smoking Helpline, September 2006(http://www.givingupsmoking.co.uk/CNI/current_campaign/press/20_09_06B/)
- Smokers Annual Bill: personal hygiene - GBP199.95, cleaning, repairingand replacing - GBP212.68, other costs, including insurance premiums -GBP263.33, 20 cigarettes a day - GBP1825.00, TOTAL - GBP2501.29
Nicorette
For more information please contact: Tara Lanigan on +44-(0)207-108 6037 tara.lanigan@shirehealthlondon.co.uk or Charlotte James on +44-(0)207-108-6029 charlotte.james@shirehealth.com.
