5 cigarettes a day would cost you more than Rs 1 crore by the time you hit 60

Smoking burns a bigger hole in your finances than you can possibly imagine. A 30-year-old who smokes five cigarettes a day would lose more than Rs 1 crore by the time he retires at 60. As we observe the World No-Tobacco Day on 31 May, ET looks at how this habit takes a toll on your wealth.



THE NON-FINANCIAL COSTS OF SMOKING
Apart from the monetary loss of over Rs 1 crore, a smoker will pay this price as well.

Family suffers
The biggest price is the health of your family. Studies show that children who live with a smoker or have exposure to tobacco smoke inside the home are more likely to fall ill.

Shortened life
Smokers have shorter lives. According to one estimate, every cigarette you smoke shortens your life by about 12 minutes. Five cigarettes reduce your life by an hour.

Career prospects
Poor health means you might get overtaken by healthier rivals at the workplace. A company may want to promote an energetic person rather than someone who calls in sick very often.

Quality of life
Poor health could significantly curtail your quality of life, preventing you from undertaking strenuous physical activities.


HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO QUIT
Medical science offers several alternatives to smoking. Here’s how they work and how much they cost.
Nicotine-based chewing gum: Rs 50-3,000
When chewed, it releases nicotine, which is absorbed in the bloodstream and stems urge to smoke.

Nicotine patches: Rs 600
When placed on skin, they release nicotine into the bloodstream, thereby abating withdrawal symptoms.

Ayurvedic formula: Rs 550
Cleanses the body of toxins and improves blood circulation and digestion, impeding the need to smoke.

Bupropion hydrochloride pills: Rs 150
This OTC drug affects neurotransmitters in the brain and curbs the urge to smoke.

E-cigarettes: Rs 500-800
Vapourise a liquid containing nicotine, which can be inhaled. Also simulate the act of smoking a cigarette.