Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death worldwide. It is a habit that often begins in adolescence and can continue into adulthood, with significant health, social, and financial consequences. For young people, starting to smoke can be linked to peer pressure, stress, curiosity, or exposure to smoking at home or in social circles.

  • Smoking causes a wide range of health problems, many of which can develop over time. These include:

    • Respiratory diseases: Chronic conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

    • Cancer: Smoking is a major risk factor for various cancers, including lung, throat, mouth, and esophageal cancers.

    • Heart disease: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

    • Reduced immune function: Smokers are more vulnerable to infections and have slower recovery times.

    • Premature aging: Smoking accelerates the aging process of the skin, leading to wrinkles and a dull complexion.

  • In addition to the physical health risks, smoking can have a negative impact on a young person’s psychological and social life:

    • Mental health: Smoking can contribute to anxiety, stress, and depression. Many people use smoking as a way to cope with stress, but over time it can worsen mental health issues.

    • Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, and once a young person begins smoking regularly, it can be difficult to quit. This addiction can lead to a cycle of dependency, which can be hard to break.

    • Social consequences: Young people who smoke may find themselves socially isolated, as smoking is increasingly restricted in public spaces. Additionally, smoking can lead to increased costs, which may contribute to financial stress.

  • Preventing smoking initiation in young people is crucial for reducing long-term health risks. This can be done through:

    • Education: Providing young people with accurate information about the risks of smoking and helping them make informed decisions.

    • Role models: Adults, particularly parents and educators, can set a positive example by not smoking and talking openly about the risks.

    • Support systems: Encouraging open communication and offering support to those who may be struggling with peer pressure or stress can help reduce smoking rates among young people.

  • While smoking itself is a legal activity for those over the age of 18, there are significant risks associated with young people who smoke, particularly when it comes to criminal behaviour and involvement in illicit activities. Smoking, especially in the form of cannabis or vaping, is often linked to an increase in other risky behaviours, some of which can involve criminal activity.

    The Link Between Smoking and Criminal Activity

    1. Drug Use and Crime:

      • Smoking cannabis, particularly for young people, is a behaviour that can sometimes lead to further involvement with illegal drugs. Young people who are already involved in smoking may become more open to trying other illicit substances, including those that are sold on the black market.

      • Many young people who buy illicit substances, including cannabis, may not always realise that they are engaging in criminal activity by purchasing from street dealers. The dangers of buying drugs from unregulated sources extend beyond the potential health risks of the drugs themselves, as they are often associated with criminal networks involved in larger-scale illegal activities.

    2. Theft to Fund Habit:

      • One of the consequences of addiction to smoking or other substances is the strain it places on an individual's finances. Young people who smoke may steal or engage in other criminal behaviours to fund their habit. For instance, in some cases, they may resort to shoplifting, petty theft, or even more severe crimes to get the money needed to support their smoking or drug use.

      • Involvement in theft or other illegal activities can significantly affect a young person’s future, potentially leading to criminal records and long-term repercussions for education, employment, and mental health.

    3. Gang Involvement:

      • The prevalence of smoking cannabis and using other substances like nicotine often occurs in areas with higher rates of gang involvement. Some gangs use smoking as an initiation or bonding activity for young recruits. Additionally, young people who use drugs may be more vulnerable to being manipulated into participating in gang-related activities, as the drug trade is often central to criminal organisations.

      • Gang activity often includes not only drug dealing but also violence, theft, and coercion. Youth who are involved in gangs may be exposed to further criminal activities, making it harder for them to escape the cycle of crime.

    4. Peer Pressure and Criminal Behaviour:

      • Smoking often occurs within peer groups where young people may feel pressured to take part in illegal behaviours, such as drug use, theft, or vandalism. Peer pressure can make it difficult for a young person to say no to engaging in criminal activities, particularly if they are trying to "fit in" or be accepted by their social circle.

      • Young people are more likely to engage in risky behaviours if they feel isolated or disconnected from family and school support systems. Smoking, which may start as a social activity, can quickly spiral into more dangerous behaviours if the young person is part of a group involved in crime.

    5. Illegal Selling and Distribution of Drugs:

      • As young people become more involved in smoking cannabis, they may be encouraged to take part in selling or distributing drugs to their peers or others in their community. This can lead to more serious involvement with criminal organisations and law enforcement. Selling drugs not only involves breaking the law but can expose young people to dangerous situations, violence, and exploitation.

    The Role of Smoking in Criminal Youth Behaviour

    Smoking is not only about addiction but also about the environment in which young people are exposed to risky behaviour. For young people in areas with high rates of substance misuse, criminal activity, or gang involvement, smoking often becomes a gateway to more dangerous behaviours. The link between smoking and criminal activity is therefore a crucial factor to consider in both prevention and intervention efforts.

    Preventing Smoking and Criminal Behaviour

    Preventing smoking among young people is not just about reducing health risks, but also about protecting them from becoming involved in criminal activity. There are several ways that professionals can help break the cycle of smoking and crime:

    1. Education and Awareness:

      • Educating young people about the legal, health, and social implications of smoking is crucial. Helping them understand the connection between smoking, addiction, and criminal activity can reduce the chances of them becoming involved in illegal behaviours.

      • Workshops, peer education programmes, and outreach can play an important role in reducing smoking and its associated risks, including criminal behaviour.

    2. Providing Support:

      • Providing support to young people who are already smoking, particularly those who may be involved in other risky behaviours, is key. Services like ABL Health’s Smoking Cessation Programme offer tailored support to help individuals quit smoking. They can also offer referrals to mental health services, social support, or addiction services.

      • Building resilience in young people through mentoring, life skills workshops, and community-building activities can help reduce the likelihood of them engaging in criminal activity as a result of smoking or substance misuse.

    3. Offering Alternative Activities:

      • Providing alternative social and recreational activities can divert young people from engaging in smoking and criminal behaviour. Youth clubs, sports teams, and community events can be places where young people build positive relationships and stay away from negative influences.

    4. Early Intervention:

      • Early identification and intervention are crucial. By identifying young people at risk of smoking and being involved in criminal behaviour, professionals can provide support before they become deeply embedded in these cycles. Offering resources such as youth services, school-based counselling, and community outreach can help young people break free from these behaviours.

    5. Collaborating with Families and Communities:

      • Engaging families and communities in efforts to reduce smoking and criminal behaviour is essential. Parents, carers, and community members play a vital role in providing positive reinforcement and support for young people, especially in managing peer pressure, mental health issues, and challenging family dynamics that may contribute to smoking and involvement in crime.

  • A Better Life Wirral - Smoking Cessation Service

    At ABL Health, we believe everyone has the right to good health. We are dedicated to reducing health inequalities and promoting healthy behaviours through community-driven healthcare services. Our mission is to help people live healthier, longer, and happier lives.

    Smoking Cessation Service:

    A Better Life Wirral is a smoking cessation service run by ABL Health in partnership with Wirral Council. Our Stop Smoking Service provides individuals with the support they need to quit smoking for good. We help you understand why you smoke, identify and manage cravings, and offer advice to prevent relapse. Our evidence-based 12-week programme offers flexible support, tailored to meet each person’s needs. Every year, we help over 1,500 individuals successfully quit smoking.

    We have extensive experience working with pregnant women, young people, and those with long-term medical or mental health conditions.

    Who is this service for?

    • Individuals who want to quit smoking and live or work in Wirral.

    • Healthcare professionals who wish to refer someone to the service.

    Service Details

    When:
    Our 12-week programme is available with no waiting times, providing flexible, personalised support.

    Where:
    1A Vittoria Court, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 3LE

    Cost:
    The service is completely free, including nicotine replacement therapy.

    How to get involved:

    • Speak to your GP about the service.

    • Contact the service directly for more information or to make a referral.

    • Healthcare professionals can access referral forms.

    We offer tailored support, including one-to-one sessions, drop-in services, and self-help resources, as well as telephone and online support.

    Contact Details:

    • Phone: 0151 541 5656 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

    • Text: ABL to 60777 (free text service)

    • Email: wiccg.ablwirral@nhs.net

    For more information:

Risk Indicators

Understanding risk indicators for smoking and its links to criminal activity is crucial for professionals supporting young people. The following tool uses a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to help assess the level of concern based on observed behaviours and associations. The aim is to identify young people who may be at risk and provide appropriate interventions.

Low Risk

These indicators suggest that the young person is not currently smoking or is using it in a controlled and occasional manner without significant impact on their health or wellbeing.

Increased Risk

There are emerging signs of concern, suggesting the young person may be experimenting with smoking. While they may not be addicted, their behaviours or associations raise concerns that need monitoring and early intervention.

High Risk

These indicators reflect significant concern, with smoking posing a serious risk to the young person’s health, safety, and mental wellbeing. Immediate support and intervention are required.

    • No signs of regular or heavy smoking.

    • They are aware of the risks associated with smoking.

    • They are in control of their choices and have not experienced peer pressure to smoke.

    • They have healthy habits and coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotions.

    • Regular use of cigarettes, but not yet addicted.

    • Increased social pressure or curiosity about smoking.

    • Starting to rely on smoking to cope with stress or emotional difficulties.

    • Visible changes in health (e.g., coughing, fatigue) or social behaviours (e.g., hanging out with peers who smoke).

    • Experimenting with other substances, such as cannabis, alongside smoking.

    • Difficulty saying no to peers offering cigarettes.

    • Regular and persistent smoking, possibly leading to addiction.

    • Health problems related to smoking, such as frequent coughing, shortness of breath, or other respiratory issues.

    • Increased reliance on smoking to manage anxiety, stress, or emotions.

    • Engagement in risky behaviours, such as smoking in unsafe places or using drugs or alcohol alongside smoking.

    • Withdrawal from family or social activities and frequent isolation.

    • Strong peer pressure and associations with others involved in smoking or substance use.

    • Evidence of deteriorating mental health, such as increased anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, associated with smoking.

    • Difficulty quitting despite attempts to stop or control the behaviour.

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