Listen: how smoking is isolating us

People struggle to give up smoking because nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, creates physical and psychological dependence – making it sometimes impossible for people to stop. But, 10% say they are ‘desperate’ to give up this year – a further 4% want to cut down.

The withdrawal symptoms from nicotine can be uncomfortable, and smoking is often deeply ingrained into a person’s daily routine and social interactions. Additionally, quitting smoking can be a difficult behavioral change, as it requires overcoming long-standing habits and facing triggers that lead to cravings.

But according to new data from Hayyp, it isn’t just impacting our health – but also our social aspects. Over a third of smokers say they always leave the house to smoke – going out alone. The majority of smokers are outside, alone, more than 30 minutes each and every day – missing out of core interactions.

Aston spoke to human behaviour expert Dr Jane McCartney and Markus Lindblad from Haypp.