Chances are that the first time you ever smoked was in a social situation. As smoking became a popular activity, a distinct type of smokers can be seen in parties, offices and on the sidewalks outside bars and restaurants. Social Smoking has become the new rave of the current generation. But new research shows that people who smoke occasionally in social settings share some of the same health risks as people who smoke everyday.
What is Social Smoking?
Social smoking is a pattern of smoking which is restricted to social settings like pubs, bars, nightclubs, and sporting or music events. A social smoker is one who smokes cigarettes to feel accepted.
The idea of social smoking dates back thousands of years with the use of the chillum which used to play an integral part of the lives of the Sadhus in India.
What are the Health Hazards of Social Smoking?
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that women who smoked 15 or more cigarettes a day had a five times greater risk of developing heart disease than non-smokers, and women who smoked one to 14 cigarettes a day had three times greater risk of developing heart disease than women who did not smoke. The bottom line: there is no known safe level of consumption of cigarettes. Even if you smoke only a couple of cigarettes a day or on the weekend, you are still putting your health at risk. Additionally, research has shown that social smokers are more likely to become regular smokers in the long term.
The health hazards associated with light or intermittent smoking includes:
- Increased risks for heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol-clogged arteries
- Lung, esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer
- Respiratory tract infections
- Poor sperm function in men
- Delayed conception in women
- Slower recovery from injury
- Premature death from cardiovascular disease.
What can I Do About It?
Trying to quit social smoking can be just as difficult as trying to quit regular smoking. But there are few tips that you can practice in your day to day life.
- Avoid Other Smokers: Avoid being around other smokers or triggers. This will go a long way in making sure that your smoking habits are drastically reduced.
- Change Your Social Patterns: Limit going to bars and parties for the first few weeks when you are trying to quit. These social situations can act as a trigger making it really difficult to quit. Instead, go to a movie or have dinner.
- Try Support Devices: Common methods like nicotine patches, sprays, and medications used to treat regular smoking addiction have proven effective in social smoking.
- Avoid Alcohol: After a few drinks, you may realize that your desire for a cigarette heightens. Start by not drinking alcohol at all.
- Enroll for a Support Group: A support group that is composed of social smokers will provide the social acceptance needed for you to quit.
Many long-term smokers start out as social smokers. But over a period of time, they are not able to limit their smoking or quit when they want. But remember, it is never too late to quit, but the sooner you quit the better.
