smoking

• Smoking rates have decreased across the UK as a whole, but the decrease has been at a higher rate in richer social classes compared to poorer social classes
• Smoking rates by social class


  • 34% of current smokers in higher social groups (AB) smoked 6 or fewer cigarettes per day compared to 24% in the lower social group (DE)
• Long-term smokers have, on average, a life expectancy that is ten years shorter than non-smokers
• Smokers in lower social classes


  • Tend to smoke cigarettes far more intensely due to their higher relative value
  • Have much higher levels of nicotine dependence
  • Are less likely to be able to afford therapies such as nicotine patches and other devices designed to help them stop smoking