Smokers Undeterred By Long Term Cost of Smoking

Back in 1980, smoking was a lot cheaper. The price of a pack of cigarettes was $.64. Today, the cost has jumped to an average of $3.70.
The West Virginia Health Statistics Center released a study Thursday that says someone who has smoked for 30 years will have spent more than $31,000 over the years.

A startling statistic, even for smokers.

"I've never really thought of it like that," said Dana LaFond. "My habit costs me about $200 to $250 per month."

"It's a lot of money that can be spent on other things," said Bruce Adkins, Director of Division of Tobacco Prevention with the Bureau for Public Health. "The common sense part is to save your money. Spend it on something much more worthy than your addiction."

Smokers, though, even when told about the studies findings, argue their money is being spent on something they enjoy.

"That money is being spent on something used to make me comfortable," said LaFond. "Just like a new pair of clothes. It's in my comfort zone."

The study shows that if a smoker were to take all of the money spent on cigarettes and invest it, it would be worth more than $267,000.