Smoking rates in England see first increase in two decades
For the first time since 2006, smoking rates in parts of England are increasing, a study shows. Learn more.
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Not sure if you’re ready to stop smoking? Worried about finding it difficult?
Start quizThe wave of declining smoking rates in England seems to have hit a stumbling block, after almost two decades of steady decrease. According to a recent study by University College London (UCL), there has been a notable rise in smoking rates in some parts of England for the first time since 2006.
The study examined data from over 350,000 adults in England.
From 2020 to 2024, smoking rose by 10% in southern England, while the north saw a decrease of 9.7% in the same period. South-west England bore the brunt of the increase, witnessing a 17% leap in smoking rates, taking the figure to 18.7%. The south-east and London had a spike of 9% and 8%, respectively.
When these statistics are extrapolated, it infers that an estimated 7.5 million adults in England now smoke. In contrast, the numbers fell by 160,000 in the north of England—with 2 million adult smokers remaining.
Dr Sarah Jackson lead author said “It’s vital that stop smoking services are made easily and equally available across the country, so that everyone – wherever they live – can access the right tools to quit for good.”
Comment by Allen Carr’s Easyway
At Allen Carr’s Easyway, we are disappointed to see the resurgence of smoking rates in particular regions within England after almost 20 years of decrease.
The study emphasises, and ACE agree, the need to constantly assess the long term efficiency of ongoing initiatives and promote continuous innovation in anti-smoking solutions. It is key to focus on long term success rates of initiatives and not just the short term 4 week rates.
The Allen Carr’s Easyway (ACE) success rate is over 25% at one year based on our work with the NHS and Local Authorities (over 4,000 people helped to freedom). However, that is not the full picture because a sizeable number of people do not respond at one year.
In fact independent studies show that at 2 years the success rate for ACE is over 40%.
It is time for all stop smoking services across the country to offer a drug free, clinically & NICE approved, long term high quit rate method.
We are pleased to be working with the NHS and Local Authorities to help smokers in many areas across England from Dorset to Southwark to Barrow. See if you can attend a seminar for free here
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