We all know the dangers of smoking, especially for Blacks who are more likely to die from smoking-related complications than whites. Yet, that didn’t stop many people from picking up a cigarette during the pandemic. There was an increase in cigarette sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, with about a 14.1 percent increase above expected sales, according to a research letter published online Oct. 19 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Using an interrupted time series model, observed cigarette sales during March 2020 to June 2021 were compared to expected sales for the same period in the absence of the pandemic, based on long-term declining trends from before the pandemic (January 2007 to February 2020) after adjustment for seasonality.
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The researchers found that for all months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, observed cigarette sales exceeded expected sales. After adjustment for all covariates, the estimated average difference between observed and expected cigarette sales indicated a monthly excess sale of 0.34 packs per capita. This represented a 14.1 percent increase in cigarette sales compared with that expected had the pre-pandemic trend persisted. Even with a one-month lag from the month when cigarette supply was released from manufacturers to allow for transit of cigarettes to the point of retail sales, the evidence of excess sales was valid (excess sales of 0.17 packs; increase of 9.0 percent).
“Cigarette sales were greater than would have been expected during the pandemic, with slowing of the previous downward trend, suggesting persistent, overall changes in smoking behavior, although individual consumption was not directly measured,” the authors write.
Why the increase? One clear reason many people picked up more cigarettes during the pandemic is because of stress brought on by the uncertainty of the pandemic.
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Smoking has often been used as a way for people who are highly stressed to cope with the unpleasant feelings they may be experiencing. However, it is important to remember that it is not a long-term stress reliever. It will not stop whatever is causing you stress. In fact, nicotine addiction can actually cause you more stress because your body can become addicted to it and go through withdrawals without it.
Although it may be hard, it is important that you find a healthier alternative to coping with your stress that doesn’t involve smoking.
Here are some alternatives you may try:
1. Relax: Because our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones that increase our heart rate and raise our blood pressure, it doesn’t hurt to take a pause. Relaxing can improve your health and help you cope with your stress in positive ways.
2. Breathe: When you feel stressed, try taking a few slow, deep breaths in through your nose, out through your mouth. You should be able to feel your body starting to relax.
3. Figure where your stress is: Do you know what effects stress is having on your body or where your tension is coming from? Once you locate it, you can find ways to reduce that tension and help your mental stress. A warm bath, a massage, or stretching can help you release built-up tension.
4. Visualize: Try to think of a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. The more you are able to picture it, the more it will feel like you are in the moment. This will allow you to relax and live in that moment.
5. Exercise: Every time we exercise, natural chemicals that help our mood and reduce our stress are released. A short walk may also help you clear your mind.
6. Share your feelings: If you are highly stressed, you can benefit from sharing your feelings with friends, family, and other important people. They should be able to support you in staying smoke-free and remind you that you don’t have to deal with the stress alone.
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7. Focus: We are all guilty of getting caught up in the future and what’s next. While that may help us prepare, it can also create stress and worry. Instead, try to focus on living in the now and be grateful for where you are now.
8. Care: Self-care is not selfish. It’s necessary to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone or anything else. This can include something as simple as eating a balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and getting enough sleep.
9. Do Good: Paying it forward and doing something nice for others can make your day a little better and hopefully reduce some of the stress you are dealing with.
10. Decaffinate: Caffeine is designed to help you stay awake, but it also can make you feel tense, jittery, and stressed. Try cutting back or even eliminating it altogether to help reduce your feelings of stress. You can also try switching to herbal tea or even hot water with lemon if you are looking to enjoy a non-caffeinated hot beverage.
Remember that life comes with twists and turns and you may feel overwhelmed from time to time. When this happens, try to remain calm and remember these tips the next time you feel the urge to pick up a cigarette.
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