According to a recent survey by Rosstat, the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, the number of heavy smokers in Russia has reached a record low. The survey, which summarized data from 2024, revealed that among all tobacco consumers, only 40% smoke about a pack of cigarettes a day, down from 46.7% in 2022.
Overall, 25.5% of Russian citizens currently smoke, compared to 26.1% two years ago. Additionally, 9.5% of respondents reported having quit smoking, while 7.7% do not smoke every day.
The survey also found that 4.4% of nicotine consumers smoke more than a pack of cigarettes per day, 35.6% smoke less than one pack, 35.9% smoke between five and 10 cigarettes daily, and 24.1% smoke less than five. These figures show a shift from 2022, when the percentages were 4.6%, 42.1%, 35.2%, and 18.1%, respectively. The majority of Russians (over 60%) acquire the smoking habit between the ages of 15 and 20, while only 2.5% start smoking after the age of 30.
While the decline in heavy smoking is a positive development, the survey data does not account for the use of electronic cigarettes and similar devices. Experts suggest that some individuals with nicotine addiction may have switched from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes, which could improve the statistics but not necessarily their health.
Moreover, e-cigarettes are often more accessible to minors, despite being legally equal to regular cigarettes and prohibited from being sold to underage individuals. In practice, legislation regarding vapes is much less strictly enforced, raising concerns about the potential impact on youth nicotine use.
In contrast to the declining smoking rates, Russia has seen a worrisome trend in alcohol consumption. In 2024, the consumption of strong alcohol, excluding vodka, reached an eight-year high, with sales increasing by 10.2%. Analysts attribute this situation, in part, to successes in alcohol import substitution.
As Russia continues to address public health concerns related to substance use, it will be crucial to monitor trends in both traditional and emerging nicotine delivery systems, as well as alcohol consumption, to develop effective strategies for promoting the well-being of its citizens.
- News source: Заядлых курильщиков стало меньше в России
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