Smoking on rise as stress of virus has big effect

The stress of Covid-19 has fuelled Britain’s nicotine habit, with more than half of smokers “stresssmoking” more, and 10% lighting up again after quitting, a survey suggests.

Young people in particular are taking refuge in the habit, with 39% of smokers aged 18-34 saying they are now smoking more regularly, analysts Mintel reported.

Meanwhile, a further 10% of all smokers have started smoking again after quitting. Overall, 30% of smokers are smoking more regularly since the start of the pandemic.

More than four in 10 e-cigarette users (42%) are vaping more regularly too.

While smoking is increasing, two-thirds of Britain’s smokers (65%) say they are worried that the virus is more dangerous to them as a smoker.

A further seven in 10 (69%) say that their respiratory health is more important to them now than before the Covid-19 outbreak.

Roshida Khanom, category director of Mintel Beauty and Personal Care, said: “The pandemic has elevated stress levels and amongst smokers this has seen an increase in smoking frequency.

“There has been a peak amongst young smokers where increased unemployment and job uncertainty is likely to have driven rates.

“These added stressors may be the reason for the disconnect between smokers’ health concerns and their habits: despite seven in 10 (69%) considering their respiratory health more important to them, smoking rates are up.

“Smoking is seen as a small vice, especially during these times when there is little else to distract people.”