Spain’s tobacco consumption hits new lows « Euro Weekly News

Smoking rates in Spain have plummeted to unprecedented levels, thanks to bold public health measures.

In an impressive health shift, Spain has reported a dramatic drop in tobacco consumption, with the latest figures revealing that only 36.8% of the population have smoked in the last year. This marks a 2.2% decline since 2022, continuing a downward trend that has spanned nearly three decades. This reduction follows a consistent pattern of fewer daily smokers, which has dropped from 33.1% in 2022 to just 25.8% in 2024.

The decrease in smoking is not just about fewer people lighting up; it’s about the government’s successful implementation of policies aimed at improving public health, reducing the strain on healthcare systems, and cutting tobacco-related deaths.

Spain’s battle against tobacco has been supported by a variety of initiatives designed to reduce smoking rates:

Higher taxes on tobacco products
Stronger restrictions on tobacco advertising
The expansion of smoke-free zones to include public outdoor areas
Health campaigns targeting young people and smokers alike
Increased funding for smoking cessation services

These steps have been critical in encouraging smokers to quit and preventing new users from picking up the habit, further cementing Spain’s commitment to a healthier future.

Tobacco’s hidden cost: The impact on public health in Spain

Despite these positive statistics, tobacco remains a major public health issue in Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Health estimates that 50,000 deaths annually are attributed to smoking-related illnesses, accounting for nearly 15% of all deaths in the country.

Dr. Fernando Fernández Bueno, an oncological surgeon, advocates for even stronger measures to combat smoking, such as further increasing tobacco taxes and following international best practices. He also calls for plain packaging on cigarettes and the creation of more smoke-free zones, particularly in areas frequented by youth.

The surge in E-Cigarette use: New challenges for public health in Spain

While cigarette smoking is declining, Spain is witnessing a surge in the use of electronic cigarettes. The number of e-cigarette users has doubled in the past four years, with 19% of Spaniards having tried them. Interestingly, e-cigarettes are not always being used as a tool for quitting, but rather as an alternative. Moreover, over half of e-cigarette users are opting for nicotine-free versions.

In response to this shift, the Spanish government is introducing new regulations to curb e-cigarette usage, including:

Banning e-cigarettes in indoor public spaces
Restricting flavoured e-liquids, limiting them to tobacco flavours
Considering plain packaging for e-cigarette products
Discussing the introduction of taxes on e-liquids to mirror tobacco taxes

These measures aim to tackle the growing appeal of e-cigarettes, particularly among younger users.

Changing habits: The rise of alcohol and cannabis consumption in Spain

While tobacco consumption is on the decline, Spain is witnessing different trends in the use of other substances. Cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug in the country, with nearly 44% of the population reporting having tried it. Interestingly, many individuals are now growing their own cannabis or obtaining it from local cannabis clubs, signaling a shift in how the drug is sourced.

Alcohol consumption, on the other hand, remains high, though binge drinking has slightly decreased from 16.7% in 2022 to 14.7% in 2024. While 92.9% of Spaniards have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives, only 52.8% consider daily drinking to be a health risk—a contrast to the public perception of tobacco, where 92.7% of the population acknowledge the dangers of regular smoking.

Spain’s future in Tobacco control: A leading example for global health

Spain’s progress in reducing tobacco consumption is undoubtedly a success story. However, the rise of e-cigarettes and the ongoing consumption of alcohol and cannabis highlight that the battle is far from over. With continued government action, public education, and support for smokers looking to quit, Spain can continue to lead the way in tobacco control while addressing the emerging health risks of newer substances.

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