e cigarettes | Tobacco Free Florida

Evidence shows that the tobacco industry has targeted young people for decades. One tobacco company even referred to them as “replacement smokers.” And while many teens think they can quit whenever they want, out of every 4 young smokers, only 1 will quit before adulthood.

Quitting Tobacco Takes Time… and Sometimes Several Attempts

Quitting smoking is a process, and for many people that process could take several attempts before quitting for good. If you slip or relapse, don’t get discouraged. You’re not alone. About half of quit attempts fail within the first week and most slips or relapses occur within the first three months after quitting. Smokers can, and do, quit smoking.

Smoking and Stress

Ask Floridians why they still smoke, and you often hear that cigarette smoking “relieves stress.” While most people know the serious health risks of smoking and the benefits of quitting, it can be tough to give up cigarettes when used to cope with stress.

Statement from Florida’s State Surgeon General Regarding CVS Caremark Announcement

“I want to congratulate CVS Caremark for today’s bold decision that will lead to better health. Removing cigarettes from their more than 700 locations in Florida is welcome news for the families and communities of our state.

What Smoking Costs Employers

Smoking cigarettes comes with many steep costs. It costs many smokers their health, their money and their time with friends and family. And the consequences do not stop there; employers are paying the price as well. In Florida, the annual direct costs to the economy attributable to smoking were in excess of $19.6 billion, including workplace productivity losses of $4.4 billion, premature death losses of $7.9 billion and direct medical expenditures of $7.2 billion.