Stub it out: part time smokers in denial over their addiction

By Charlotte Beugge

Millions of Brits say they are non-smokers - even though they light up at least once a day or succumb to the occasional cigarette at a party, according to survey from the Co-operative Pharmacy.

Around 51% do not consider themselves smokers, although they have one cigarette a day, while one in eight (13%) say they are non-smokers even though they do have the odd cigarette. NHS figures show that around 21% of Brits smoke compared with 39% in 1980.

Some 57% of smokers keep their habit a secret from family and friends, most often their partner, followed by their children, friends or parents.

Instead they resort to tactics such as saying they are popping out to the shops or walking the dog when they are actually just desperate for a smoke. One in 12 isn't allowed to light up at home.

However, 80% of the 2,000 smokers surveyed said they wanted to give up, and a third said that since smoking was banned in public places in 2007 they had smoked less.

The most-cited reasons for wanting to give up were being diagnosed with a serious illness, needing to save money and becoming a parent. But the most addicted heavy smokers said they'd only give up if they became ill.

Smoking not only impacts on your health but also on how much you'll pay for health and life insurance. Even if you only smoke once a day, insurers rank you as a smoker and this will mean you will pay more for cover because your chances of becoming ill are higher than for non-smokers.