Counting the Cost: Smoking, Addiction, and the Need for Support in Australia

Smoking remains a pressing issue in Australia, especially as the cost of living continues to climb. Whenever I see someone light a cigarette or vape, I can’t help but wonder how they afford it. Take, for example, a Melbourne dad whose weekly cigarette spending now rivals his family’s grocery bill—an expense that starkly highlights the financial strain smoking can place on households.

He tries to budget for essentials, but with each pack costing over $50 and even basic rolling papers priced at $5, these expenses quickly strain the household. Every dollar matters, and for families like his, the financial toll of smoking is impossible to ignore—especially since cigarettes are not an essential product.

The financial impact of smoking is widespread and significant. The Cancer Council estimates a pack-a-day smoker spends more than $10,000 each year—enough to feed a family for months or cover a large chunk of annual rent. For many Australians already feeling the pinch, this expense is simply overwhelming.

However, the decision to continue smoking is rarely driven by finances alone; psychological factors often play an equally powerful role.

While the financial burden is evident, it’s important to recognise that quitting is not simply a matter of dollars and cents—psychological challenges play a crucial role. The monetary costs are clear, but the grip of nicotine addiction often overshadows them. This makes quitting even more difficult, as buying and smoking cigarettes are deeply ingrained routines.

For many, quitting is not about saving money; it’s about confronting a powerful dependence. Smoking becomes a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, especially in tough times. For some, it is more than a habit—it is a source of comfort when life gets challenging. As people struggle to cope with increasing pressures of life, the psychological hold of smoking can be immense. For instance, a Sydney nurse turned to cigarettes during the pandemic to manage long shifts and emotional fatigue, only to later face the daunting challenge of quitting. These experiences, echoed by countless others, remind us that every smoker’s journey is unique and often deeply personal.

Stories like that of the Sydney nurse who turned to cigarettes during the pandemic to cope with long shifts and emotional fatigue, only to later struggle with quitting, highlight just how personal and complex this journey can be. Similarly, people from all walks of life—parents, tradespeople, students—find themselves wrestling with the emotional and social dimensions of addiction, reminding us that statistics only tell part of the story.

Looking back, attitudes towards smoking in Australia have changed dramatically. Cigarettes were once even prescribed by doctors as remedies for anxiety and depression, and the tobacco industry spent decades downplaying the dangers. This historical legacy still influences public perceptions today, despite the fact that health risks are now widely acknowledged.

Despite clear evidence linking smoking to serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease, too many Australians still smoke. Although rates are declining, addiction, stress, and social influences continue to fuel the habit. Economic uncertainty can drive up smoking rates, and peer pressure or certain social settings make quitting even harder. Recent figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show a significant portion of adults, especially younger people and those in lower socioeconomic groups, are regular smokers. These trends highlight persistent health inequalities and the complex interplay between stress and social factors.

Support programs are making a real difference for those trying to quit. Quitlines offer confidential phone support staffed by trained professionals who provide tailored advice and follow-up calls. Community health centres often run free group sessions and can connect individuals with additional resources, such as nicotine replacement therapy or counselling services. For example, Sarah, a mum from Brisbane, credits her success in quitting to a local Quitline program, which provided ongoing support and helped her manage cravings. Similarly, Tom, a tradesman from Adelaide, shared how group counselling sessions made him feel less isolated in his struggle, ultimately helping him cut back. These personal stories highlight the real-world impact of accessible support, and recent data shows people who use these resources are more likely to reduce or quit smoking altogether.

Addressing smoking in Australia requires empathy and reliable information. Whether you’re trying to quit or supporting someone who is, understanding the financial, psychological, and historical factors is essential. By working together and making use of credible resources, we can help lighten the load for those struggling with the costly reality of smoking—and move towards a healthier future for all.