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Increase in the number of smokers: is tobacco no longer taboo?

2021-06-04T01:33:38.507Z


After several consecutive years of decline, tobacco consumption is on the rise again. Experts fear a "ceiling" effect. They ap


It had started so well. One million fewer smokers in 2017, 600,000 the following year. And so on. Perhaps we should have been wary of this ashtray honeymoon, which has just ended abruptly. As World No Tobacco Day is being celebrated on Monday, the figures in France are no longer celebrating: last year, 25.5% of adults said they smoke daily, against 24% in 2019. The number of non-smokers fell from 37.7% to 35.5%. For the time being, the public health agency France (SPF), prefers to speak of "stabilization" or of stopping the decline ... But for the doctor Loïc Josseran, president of the Alliance against tobacco, "we must call a cat, a cat. This is an increase, particularly significant among the most precarious

(Editor's note, from 29.8 to 33.3%),

to be expected.

"

Read alsoHigher smoking: "We smoke so as not to kill each other"

Expect it because the Covid and the anguish of its confinements having been there, the temptation to incriminate it is great.

And yet, the data from SPF seem to clear the epidemic since the rebound is mainly observed at the start of 2020, before the population was first sealed.

“Perhaps, but the social context is there, tempers Loïc Josseran, who is also a professor of public health.

The situation has been extremely stressful for months, both in terms of health and economics.

Now, what do we see in all major crises, like that of 2008?

An increase in cigarette consumption!

"

Sociologist Patrick Peretti-Watel, a fine connoisseur of the subject, adds: “We must also analyze this by environment. Certainly, some have had fewer opportunities, such as a cigarette break with colleagues, a drink with friends, and sometimes took the opportunity to quit. But among the most disadvantaged, heavily impacted by the situation, cigarettes act as an anxiolytic. Despite its price, it even stands out as a staple product. Meanwhile, scrolls kill 75,000 people a year.

It remains to be seen whether the increase is "exceptional" or if it announces a ceiling in the fight against smoking.

“We have experienced the best, with 2 million fewer smokers in 3-4 years.

We lost the easiest, those who wanted to stop.

There, we get into the hard.

We are going to look for those who are not ready to stop.

It will not be easy at all, ”worries Loïc Josseran.

Especially since tobacco is no longer so taboo.

“He is no longer Public Enemy number 1. I myself, I hardly spoke about him any more lately, as if it was no longer a subject, the oncologist and former minister Michèle Delaunay would almost apologize.

However, on this theme, we must maintain unfailing pressure, never let go, never.

"

"No matter how much we raise the prices to 15 or 20 bucks, if the unit purchase continues, it's screwed up!"

Taking up the pilgrim's staff again, stepping up prevention and “going scratching wherever possible” is also the wish of sociologist Patrick Peretti-Watel. “Fear in health campaigns is a bit overwhelming, even counterproductive. What can affect is the financial gain, explaining that after X months without smoking, it is possible to afford a week of vacation, ”he recommends. “We will have to take a very serious interest in young people, who are the target of formidable campaigns by industrialists on YouTube or TikTok,” says Loïc Josseran. Likewise, we must fight against the sale of single cigarettes, which is an absolute defeat for young people. No matter how much we raise the prices to 15 or 20 bucks, if the unit purchase continues, it's screwed up! "

Handing over the package, sacred challenge when we know that there has already been an anthology of political measures in recent years: significant increase in prices (from 8 to 10 euros in two years), creation of a tobacco-free month, reimbursement of nicotine substitutes… “Perhaps the most beautiful weapons were used, yes. Let's reinvent others, launches Michèle Delaunay. We must play on positive communication and especially not make people feel guilty after this year when everyone has already been well tested. “Somehow find a way to rekindle the smoke-free flame.

Source: leparis

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