SOCIAL SMOKER

Most daily cigarette smokers started out as social smokers. You may smoke only when out or with friends, but slowly the nicotine may begin to become a physical or psychological need. Although it is impossible to predict whether you will become a regular daily smoker, a high proportion of social smokers become dependent on nicotine. What starts out as a casual activity could easily end up as a life-long addiction with severe health consequences.  The best time to quit may be when you’re still a social smoker and your body is not fully addicted to nicotine.

What is social smoking?

Social smoker refers to someone who doesn't smoke on a daily basis, but may have a few on a night out or with friends. A social smoker, like a casual smoker, may only smoke a few cigarettes one night, then not smoke for days or weeks afterward. Or the smoker may smoke regularly, but only in certain circumstances that do not occur daily.  Because many people who are social smokers don’t consider themselves a “smoker”, they are less likely to attempt to quit smoking and less likely to see their smoking as a problem.

Why do people smoke socially?

Many people who smoke "socially" or casually don't realize that occasional smoking can be harmful. They may not be aware of how easy it is to become addicted. If you are around people who smoke, you may be tempted to smoke too. It may seem that smoking makes social situations easier. Most regular smokers began smoking as a social habit. Many college students begin smoking while at a bar and/or drinking.

Can I get addicted if I only smoke socially?

The nicotine in tobacco is the most addictive drug known to man. It's easy to increase how much you smoke without even noticing. Once your body is addicted to nicotine, it's very hard to stop smoking. Most long-term smokers started out as social smokers and wish they could quit.

How can I tell if I'm becoming addicted?
  • You start to buy your own packs because you don't want to bum off of others.
  • You begin to smoke by yourself.
  • You start having thoughts about smoking when you're not smoking.
  • You begin to crave cigarettes when you wake up, or look forward to social events where you can smoke.
  • You don't feel the dizziness and headaches of a new smoker.

How dangerous is social smoking?

  • Even if they continue to smoke only occasionally, social smokers are more likely to get bronchitis, coughs and asthma attacks than nonsmokers.
  • If you keep smoking you're more likely to get lung cancer or heart disease.
  • Smoking for just five years can permanently damage your eyes, throat, bones, joints and skin – even if you later quit.
  • Secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer and other serious health problems in nonsmokers.
  • If you smoke socially, you are probably around other smokers. That means you're inhaling double the smoke – from your own cigarette and from the air around you.

What can I do to stop my social smoking?

  • If you're not addicted yet, this can be the easiest time to quit. You can use other parts of this website to help you quit for good.
  • If smoking gives you something to do at parties, try sipping a soda, water, or juice instead.
  • If you are used to smoking with a certain beverage, try ordering a different kind of drink to break the association. Try not drinking alcohol for a while, to break the connection between smoking and drinking.
  • When you start to feel the urge to smoke, think of all the reasons why you want to quit smoking. Think about your health, about the addiction, and the money that you will spend if you become a regular smoker. Tell yourself that it's best for you to quit before you become addicted.

For more ways to beat smoking, see the How To Quit section.

Based on information from Journeyworks Publishing 2002, TOBACCOFACTS: Social Smoking: What it is and how it works for you.