Social smoking
You might think that smoking only now and then, or just in social situations, isn’t harmful. But even low-level or occasional smoking can be very risky for your health. The truth is, there is no safe level of smoking. Even if you only smoke one or two cigarettes a day, it can still cause serious harm to your body.
People who smoke just 1 to 4 cigarettes daily almost triple their risk of dying from heart disease or lung cancer. In fact, even occasional smokers have nearly the same risk of heart problems as people who smoke every day.
If you only smoke in social settings, it's still important to take it seriously. Quitting now can help protect your health and lower your risk of serious illness.
Smoking triggers
If you’re trying to quit social or occasional smoking, it can help to think about what situations make you want to smoke. These are called triggers.
Try these tips to stay on track:
- Avoid places where you used to smoke, especially social events where others might be smoking.
- Let your friends know you're quitting and ask them not to offer you a cigarette or vape.
- Change your routine – for example, if you usually smoke after a meal, go for a walk, chew gum or have a herbal tea instead.
- Bring something to keep your hands busy, like a stress ball or your phone.
- If you feel tempted, remind yourself why you’re quitting and the benefits of being smoke-free.
Quitting even light or social smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. It’s never too late to start.
Create a personalised Quit plan that will support you while you quit.