According to a new survey Americans are reaching for a smoke more often, as stress caused by a slowing economy, shrinking retirement accounts and rising unemployment rates are causing many smokers to light up more or to avoid quitting.
Nearly 25% of smokers say that ever since they have been worrying over the economy they have been driven to smoke more daily. Another 13% of smokers state that they have delayed giving up smoking.
Cheryl Healton, the president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, said in a statement, "The turbulent global stock markets have caused virtually every American a certain level of stress. Those who also struggle with an addiction to tobacco products are at an increased disadvantage as they contemplate quitting, or feel the urge to smoke more cigarettes."
So not only have smokers gotten the short end of the stick with smoking bans but now the stress of a wayward economy is putting the most weight on their shoulders.
[Via: Reuters]
