This is according to a recent survey by Nicorette ‘ a manufacturer of nicotine-replacement products that aid smokers who want to quit smoking.
When asked whether they enjoyed smoking, 62% of men and 68% of women indicated that they did not.
Three-quarters of smokers had tried to give up in the past 12 months, but only a third had succeeded. And while mind over matter, coupled with the desire to stop smoking is the first step, (76% of those attempting to quit relied on willpower to stop smoking), most (over 65%) admitted to failing in their attempts over the previous year ‘ though 25% are still trying.
After sheer willpower, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was the next smoking cessation option for quitters, with over 22% relying on NRT and additional assistance to kick the habit.
For most smokers, the strongest motivation for quitting was health concerns. Only 17% of men and women said higher tobacco taxes or expensive cigarettes would motivate them to stop.
Stricter legislation from government and a general shift in attitudes towards smoking revealed an overwhelmingly negative outlook on smoking: 72% of participants having become more negative towards smoking in the past 12 months, while those who still maintained their contentment for the habit were at a low 3%.
Compared to the first Smoking Survey conducted in 2009, this shows that attitudes towards tobacco are steadily becoming less and less tolerant – among smokers and non-smokers alike.
Sources: SAPA, Health24
