The Impact of Poverty on Smoking Addiction

Some people might think that enjoying a smoke or using it as a way to relieve stress are the only reasons people keep puffing away, even when they know it’s bad for their health. 

But the truth is, that so-called enjoyment is just nicotine addiction.

That’s what the tobacco companies are after: creating a loyal market of smokers who are hooked on their products, and willing to overlook the dangers. 

Sadly, it’s not just the strong grip of nicotine that keeps people smoking. Poverty plays a big role too.

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In fact, many cases of substance abuse start in poorer areas of any country. 

So, let’s dive into how poverty can push people to start smoking, sometimes even at a young age.

Limited financial resources and the affordability of cigarettes

If tobacco taxes and other regulations hadn’t been ramped up, cigarettes would still be super cheap—just like in the 80s when a pack of 20 cost around $4.25. 

Fast forward to today, and thanks to all the anti-smoking campaigns, that same pack now sets you back about $42.10.

But, even with those steep prices, cigarettes remain affordable and accessible. 

For decades, millions of Australians developed a deadly habit and became so hooked that they’re still willing to fork out big bucks for a smoke.

This all happened because tobacco companies intentionally targeted poorer areas in Australia, making it easy for folks to grab cigarettes during the cheaper days.

Even now, when a pack is pricey, people in low-income communities still struggle to quit smoking. 

Many will do anything to get a cigarette, often sacrificing their basic needs like food and school supplies just to get a hit. 

This highlights just how disturbing and addictive nicotine can be.

Stress and coping mechanisms

Constantly worrying about money and having limited chances to work and get ahead can be incredibly stressful and lead to anxiety. 

This is a common issue in low-income communities, and tobacco companies have seen this as an opportunity.

Just think about it: how many people struggle every day to learn new skills or land a decent job but just can’t catch a break? 

These repeated disappointments, combined with poor nutrition and a lack of ways to unwind, can easily push someone to light up a cigarette just to feel a bit of comfort and satisfaction.

For many, cigarettes become a coping mechanism that hijacks the body’s natural reward system. 

Nicotine addiction and social stigma form a dangerous combo, especially in these impoverished areas.

It’s no wonder that smokers in these situations find themselves stuck in a cycle of behaviour that reinforces this harmful habit.

Availability and accessibility of tobacco products

As mentioned, tobacco companies always target impoverished people and communities because they are most likely to purchase these products to feel temporary relief. 

Furthermore, with tobacco selling highly in disadvantaged communities, it has also become a huge source of income for enterprising groups living in these areas.

The accessibility of tobacco hasn’t changed in various impoverished regions across the country. It’s easy to find a 20 pack in the dozens of corner stores and tobacconists on almost every street.

If you’re going through nicotine withdrawals but keep seeing cigarette packs everywhere, quitting is hard, but it’s not impossible.

Social norms and cultural influences

More often than not, impoverished areas have emotional attachments to smoking and other addictive substances like alcohol. 

As the saying goes, misery loves company, and smoking and drinking as part of handling disappointments and troubles in life make vices a cultural norm in many disadvantaged areas.

Parents in these areas are also prone to smoking with children inside the house. Secondhand smoke causes many dangers to kids, and one of its biggest perils is influencing the young to smoke.

You can assume that many families in these areas that are smoking also have plenty of teenagers growing up smoking, drinking and possibly venturing into substance abuse. 

Many teenagers in disadvantaged regions smoke and drink as part of their initiation and group activities, further influencing other peers to give in and become part of the tribe.

Low self-esteem and lack of hope for the future

A person who isn’t ‘part of the tribe’ in an impoverished environment can feel hopeless and have little self-esteem. Because they don’t belong to any group and feel alienated, it’s easy to be anxious and depressed, feelings that may find a release once they start smoking.

As mentioned, smoking makes you feel good after dopamine gets released into your system, but it doesn’t mean you’ll feel ‘better’. 

Feelings of self-esteem and hopelessness will return in a matter of hours, and people with depression will keep on consuming cigarettes more than ever to find relief, causing them to go through a self-destructive cycle.

Why Quitting Smoking is the Answer

Quitting smoking helps impoverished areas more than cigarettes ever can. In as little as 6 days of not smoking, you can feel many health benefits and feel better about your health overall. Here are a few ways you can get started quitting:

• Accessibility and affordability: Anyone can talk to a GP. If you’re motivated to quit smoking and have access to the internet and a phone, you can get the support you need and you won’t get charged for it.

• Education and awareness: The government has many programmes, such as The National Tobacco Campaign, designed to inform schools and communities in these areas about the dangers of tobacco and endorse the services of GPs to gain support.

• Emotional support: A supportive group of family or friends or even just a quit mate will help you get through the worst of your entire quit journey. Here’s how you can get started.

• Community engagement: Joining a smoking cessation group has helped numerous ex-smokers find success on their journey. These groups provide helpful information and motivated smokers like you who are trying to quit and need advice, guidance, and support.

• The right tools: When you work with a GP, you can get nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) tools, which can help you thwart your cravings and withdrawals when they get worse. They can also prescribe nicotine vaping products (NVPs) sold in pharmacies, which are more effective than NRT products. 

The latest Cochrane Review found high-certainty evidence that NVPs are more effective than NRT in helping people stop smoking.

Learn more about prescription NVPs here.

Summary

Smoking and poverty levels are greatly connected. While impoverished communities often have deeply rooted nicotine addictions, among others, they’re not impossible to cut off and help many motivated smokers turn a new leaf. 

Nobody has a definite solution for poverty, but smoking cessation is entirely possible regardless of where you live and your quality of life.

We know you’re reading this because you want to stop smoking. We’re here to help.

Smokefree Clinic gives you access to many medically reviewed and trustworthy resources that can inform and aid you in your path to wellness, so have a look around! 

If you’re ready to get started, Smokefree can connect you to Australian healthcare professionals who excel in helping patients quit smoking for good.

Link Reference:

• https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-8-aptsi/8-12-the-tobacco-industry-and-indigenous-communiti
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29188726/
• https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/23/2/181
• https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-9-disadvantage/9-5-smoking-and-intergenerational-poverty
• https://www.cochrane.org/news/latest-cochrane-review-finds-high-certainty-evidence-nicotine-e-cigarettes-are-more-effective