Cigarettes Can Also See Friendships Go Up in Smoke

Source from:  Paisley Daily Express 03/22/2013

The secret to quitting smoking seems to be to stub out friendships as well as the fags.

A new study by the Co-operative Pharmacy has revealed almost one in five smokers - 19 per cent - avoid their smoker friends who tempt them to light-up, as well as socialising in pubs, to help them break the habit.

Almost half of smokers surveyed - 41 per cent - said that when they made the tough decision to quit, they received no support or help from friends or family.

And a quarter of them admitted they ended up smoking again due to friends tempting them.

Smokers also blamed their peers for getting them to take up the habit in the first place, with a whopping 67 per cent admitting to starting the habit at school with a further one in four saying they started at university.

One in 10 Scots stated they had a love interest they wanted to impress by puffing on cigarettes, while Scottish smokers were the most likely to be tempted by friends to start smoking again while trying to give up.

One in five Scots admitted to avoiding the pub and their friends to ensure they succeeded in quitting.

Cost was identified as the main reason people decided to quit, although one in three said they wanted to give up for health reasons.

Social smokers said the smoking ban and being unable to light-up in pubs was a key factor in stubbing out for good.

Fiona Caplan-Dean, clinical services manager at the Co-operative Pharmacy, said: "Making the decision to stop smoking is not an easy step to take, so having someone there for support can mean the difference between people staying motivated or failing at their first attempt.

"Unfortunately, for some, the only way they feel they can maintain their willpower and reduce the temptation to smoke is to avoid social situations, and some friends.

"There are a range of professionals in the community, including pharmacists, GPs and stop smoking advisors who are ready to support those who want to give up and help individuals find a way that works best for them."

The findings come during National No Smoking Month.

The Paisley Daily Express is currently leading the way in Renfrewshire with its Don't Be Left Out In The Cold campaign, which has helped thousands of people kick the habit since it was launched just a couple of months ago.

For information and support locally with quitting, telephone 01505 821316. Enditem