Big Tobacco Not Letting The Economy Get Them Down

For most of the country, a recession means more worries, less money for gas, food, or nights out, and some serious belt-tightening. For the tobacco industry? Recessions are no big deal.

According to a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive in October on behalf of the American Legacy Foundation, the economic downturn has meant increased stress on current smokers, and that stress means more cigarette breaks.

A few key facts:

• 77% of smokers reported increased stress levels due to the current state of the economy
• Two-thirds of those smokers say this stress has affected their smoking
• More middle income ($35-74.9k) Americans have delayed their quit attempts because of stress over the economy
• Unemployed smokers stressed about the economy reported smoking more cigarettes per day (29%) than full-time or self-employed stressed workers (17%)

The more challenging your economic situation is, the more likely you'll be hit hard by this addiction: in your pocketbook and in your lungs.

For more about the benefits of a recession for the tobacco industry, check out Erich's October 24th post, "Despite economic downturn, Big Tobacco still makes BIG profits".