E Cigarettes on prescription ????

[Dark Knight]

just for further discourse

a packet of 20 decent cigs cost around £9.00-£10.00 a packet or £300 a month for a light smoker, multiples thereof for a smoker on more than one pack per day
a weeks worth of e liquid for e cigs costs around £10.00 or £40 a month

so if people change, as I did you ,get a huge cost benefit, as well as a health benefit, if the NHS has to kick start this process by offering e cigs on prescription for say a 3 month period, it will cost the NHS £120 for that initial kick start, which I suspect is a tiny fraction of what it costs to treat a cancer patient in the last 6 months of their life
and yes I do speak from personal experience of both an ex smoker and somebody who watched their father die of smoking related lung cancer, earlier this year
so whilst the old cliché of nanny state is trotted out and people dismiss smokers as some how weak or inferior, shades of MM , think about this Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin and to break that habit takes a massive amount of will power, so any help to break the cycle should surely be applauded and I'm sure the majority of sensible, well informed people would agree, which perhaps does preclude a few on here?
Also the tesst done on second hand smoke from Vaping reveals no detectable traces of nicotine and no harmful or carcinogenic substances, so all the guff about second hand smoke etc is moot, as it is non toxic and non invasive

perhaps education of the uninformed could be made available to the NHS as well?

[Raybosailor]

Thumbs up to you DK for the transition from smoker to non smoker and it looks like you saved yourself a fair amount of money in the process, so why can't others do the same without prescribed aids. The real benefit must be your health and I'm sure you feel a lot better for doing this, respect.
Like you I saw a parent die as a result of smoking, my mother smoked all her life and I was amazed that she lived so long despite me and my siblings trying to get her to pack up. On the day she died I was there at her home when the doctor came to certify her death and after he had done this he picked up a pack of cigarettes from the coffee table and said "cause of death" then threw them back down.
My wife was a smoker when I met her and I used to hate going to her family home as they all smoked, the room always had a cloud in it and I would walk out into the garden in all weathers to clear my lungs. I once heard her mother say I don't like him hes ignorant keep walking out like that I can't see this relationship lasting, well it has and my wife packed up smoking (cold turkey) and she is very anti smoking now.

[Dark Knight]

Ray
My wife also stopped cold turkey , she just decided she didn't want to smoke anymore and she stopped and has not smoked since.

[oldbluefox]

just for further discourse

a packet of 20 decent cigs cost around £9.00-£10.00 a packet or £300 a month for a light smoker, multiples thereof for a smoker on more than one pack per day
a weeks worth of e liquid for e cigs costs around £10.00 or £40 a month

so if people change, as I did you ,get a huge cost benefit, as well as a health benefit, if the NHS has to kick start this process by offering e cigs on prescription for say a 3 month period, it will cost the NHS £120 for that initial kick start, which I suspect is a tiny fraction of what it costs to treat a cancer patient in the last 6 months of their life
and yes I do speak from personal experience of both an ex smoker and somebody who watched their father die of smoking related lung cancer, earlier this year
so whilst the old cliché of nanny state is trotted out and people dismiss smokers as some how weak or inferior, shades of MM , think about this Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin and to break that habit takes a massive amount of will power, so any help to break the cycle should surely be applauded and I'm sure the majority of sensible, well informed people would agree, which perhaps does preclude a few on here?
Also the tesst done on second hand smoke from Vaping reveals no detectable traces of nicotine and no harmful or carcinogenic substances, so all the guff about second hand smoke etc is moot, as it is non toxic and non invasive

perhaps education of the uninformed could be made available to the NHS as well?

You still have not answered the question why, if you can afford cigarettes you cannot afford e cigarettes, and renders your argument in favour totally illogical, which explains why you need to resort to sarcasm.
I am also an ex-smoker so I need no lectures from you about the addictive nature of cigarettes or what is needed to give them up.

[ITWA Travel Writer]

Cigarettes, whether you approve of them or not. Whether you smoke or do not. Whether you accept the health implications or not. Are an addictive drug. Let me repeat that in bold.

Cigarettes are an addictive drug.

Over the years HMG have made billions on the back of smokers, often at their demise. And anything that helps someone addicted to this drug to come off it must be welcome.

It is always the lower end of society which suffer the consequence of government intervention. However, the introduction of such a policy as this, might be blessing in disguise for the low paid, who are mostly addicted because of the circumstances in which they live.

The argument as to if they can afford it or not, only comes from the so called affluent and the not in my back yarders, so in all honesty should be ignored.

As I read the initial post, it only pertained to those suffering from coeliac disease.
The alternate medical treatment is a prescription course of “Champix” which costs around £81 per month. A lot more than e-cigs. So do the maths!!

However, there are two factors which would mitigate against HMG introducing such a move and they are:

1. The loss of capital gained from tobacco duty:
2. The reduction in population control due to tobacco related disease.

So let me go back to the start.

Cigarettes are an addictive drug and have been proved to be bad for your health.
E-cigs, have not!!

I rest my case “My Lord”.

[Manoverboard]

I doubt that the majority could pack up smoking just to save money ... I tried that years ago and spent the saved money on LP records but had a bigger problem packing up the records than the ciggies .

It's an addiction and I agree with DK regarding the wisdom of prescribing for a short period of time to assist with beating the addiction .... although I don't agree with his style of delivery.

Both, it seems, need a bit of will power to overcome

ps ... good to see you back John

[Dark Knight]

oh foxy slap a nicotine patch on a chill out
Like most addicts, many smokers still refuse to see smoking as a dangerous and frankly stupid past time, just like alcoholics don't admit they have a problem and neither do Junkies
so to help educate them, why not offer them free advice and support?, just like the NHS does for Alcoholics and Drug addicts,
My argument is no more illogical than that for any other addiction but I suspect you have a similarly narrow minded view of any sort of addiction and like most ex smokers, who successfully give up without help, you see those who struggle, as weak and not as strong as you and you are very obviously taking the moral high road as a successful ex smoker
why can't you and your ilk, just think of it as a positive move to stop people dying needlessly and a good way to save millions for the NHS ??
it is about education and saving lives, not if a smoker can afford a vape machine or not. As I said it need only be a 3 moth trial to ween people off cigarettes onto NRT and then they can buy their own product, like I do but is a measly £120 to save a life too high a price for you ???

[Dark Knight]

Moby
sorry if my style of delivery offends but I am frankly disgusted at the attitude of some on here who can't see past their own front door and once again stick 2 fingers up at those they see as some how less than they are

I am alright Jack is alive and well on this forum

[Stephen]

DK

Have a nice holiday \/

[Dark Knight]

and V to you too , Stephen

[Manoverboard]

Moby
sorry if my style of delivery offends but I am frankly disgusted at the attitude of some on here who can't see past their own front door and once again stick 2 fingers up at those they see as some how less than they are

I am alright Jack is alive and well on this forum

If it offends me personally, don't worry, I'll tell you about it ... up front.

If it offends others on this Board and they complain via PM or an Abuse Report then one or other of the ModPlods may be inclined to issue you with a warning.

I would prefer that you toned it down just a bit .... just saying.

[Dancing Queen]

I thought I would add my ten pennorth worth as a ‘smoker’

Personally I think you have got to want to give up smoking whether it be for health reasons or the cost, whilst e-cigarettes have helped many give up the ‘weed’ they don’t work for everyone and I am walking proof of that, I did quite a lot of research before buying one and with all the bit's and pieces I bought it cost me about £150 ( I believe you can buy them much cheaper than this now ) I didn’t begrudge that money as I confidently thought this was the one thing that would stop me smoking and long term I would soon make the money back .. it didn’t !!

I am not a weak willed person and can usually do anything once I put my mind to it, I fail miserably where smoking is concerned, it might be difficult for non smokers to understand but I actually enjoy smoking but maybe that is because I’m addicted and it is the easiest option.

I’m very aware of the downside to being a smoker but do I think the NHS should help smokers to quit, NO I don’t other than giving them all the facts, as has already been said if someone can afford to smoke they can afford to buy an e-cig, my guess is there will be plenty who would take up the offer of a freebie for 3 months then slip back into their old habit, of course there will always be those it will help but do these people really need the NHS to kick start it for them.

Sorry but for the small minority I think it will help I don’t think it is worth the millions it would take from the NHS budget when money would be better spent elsewhere.

There are many other areas where people are a drain on the NHS because of their ‘choice’ of lifestyle it isn’t just the smokers, what next the NHS pay towards WW or SW .. where does it end !!!

Just as an aside I’m going to give the e-cig another go and try a different make, I’m sure they are much improved since I bought mine so we’ll see.

[Boris+]

Well firstly, I can understand that some people try these new e-cigs and don't get on with them. Maybe trying a different brand will be helpful, hopefully for people who are in the process of giving up it's a good idea.

I still don't like the idea of the NHS funding supplies of e-cigs willy-nilly. Fine if it is part of a monitored schedule to assist people along the pathway of giving up; but if it is simply supporting a smoking lifestyle then I just can't support it. Sorry.

I was lucky, I gave up overnight - a bit like a rapidly decelerating vehicle ..... 60 to zero overnight. It is extremely hard; and I really wish anyone who is trying to stop smoking all the luck in the world, and as smooth and pleasant a time of it as possible. I haven't smoked now for decades, and with these eye-watering prices I'm not blasted well going back to it.

Good luck with trying to stop smoking. Just maybe try and think positive - put the money from cigarettes, dry cleaning etc to a special treat - and enjoy it.

Good luck again.

[suespud]

I thought I would add my ten pennorth worth as a ‘smoker’

Personally I think you have got to want to give up smoking whether it be for health reasons or the cost, whilst e-cigarettes have helped many give up the ‘weed’ they don’t work for everyone and I am walking proof of that, I did quite a lot of research before buying one and with all the bit's and pieces I bought it cost me about £150 ( I believe you can buy them much cheaper than this now ) I didn’t begrudge that money as I confidently thought this was the one thing that would stop me smoking and long term I would soon make the money back .. it didn’t !!

I am not a weak willed person and can usually do anything once I put my mind to it, I fail miserably where smoking is concerned, it might be difficult for non smokers to understand but I actually enjoy smoking but maybe that is because I’m addicted and it is the easiest option.

I’m very aware of the downside to being a smoker but do I think the NHS should help smokers to quit, NO I don’t other than giving them all the facts, as has already been said if someone can afford to smoke they can afford to buy an e-cig, my guess is there will be plenty who would take up the offer of a freebie for 3 months then slip back into their old habit, of course there will always be those it will help but do these people really need the NHS to kick start it for them.

Sorry but for the small minority I think it will help I don’t think it is worth the millions it would take from the NHS budget when money would be better spent elsewhere.

There are many other areas where people are a drain on the NHS because of their ‘choice’ of lifestyle it isn’t just the smokers, what next the NHS pay towards WW or SW .. where does it end !!!

Just as an aside I’m going to give the e-cig another go and try a different make, I’m sure they are much improved since I bought mine so we’ll see.

Jo...the NHS did pay for SW...people can get 12 weeks free !! They have to have proved that they have tried to loose weight first.
Its stopped now I think.

[Onelife]

I thought I would add my ten pennorth worth as a ‘smoker’

Personally I think you have got to want to give up smoking whether it be for health reasons or the cost, whilst e-cigarettes have helped many give up the ‘weed’ they don’t work for everyone and I am walking proof of that, I did quite a lot of research before buying one and with all the bit's and pieces I bought it cost me about £150 ( I believe you can buy them much cheaper than this now ) I didn’t begrudge that money as I confidently thought this was the one thing that would stop me smoking and long term I would soon make the money back .. it didn’t !!

I am not a weak willed person and can usually do anything once I put my mind to it, I fail miserably where smoking is concerned, it might be difficult for non smokers to understand but I actually enjoy smoking but maybe that is because I’m addicted and it is the easiest option.

I’m very aware of the downside to being a smoker but do I think the NHS should help smokers to quit, NO I don’t other than giving them all the facts, as has already been said if someone can afford to smoke they can afford to buy an e-cig, my guess is there will be plenty who would take up the offer of a freebie for 3 months then slip back into their old habit, of course there will always be those it will help but do these people really need the NHS to kick start it for them.

Sorry but for the small minority I think it will help I don’t think it is worth the millions it would take from the NHS budget when money would be better spent elsewhere.

There are many other areas where people are a drain on the NHS because of their ‘choice’ of lifestyle it isn’t just the smokers, what next the NHS pay towards WW or SW .. where does it end !!!

Just as an aside I’m going to give the e-cig another go and try a different make, I’m sure they are much improved since I bought mine so we’ll see.

Hello Jo

I remember speaking to my sister who has been a smoker all her life about why she should try and give up the evil weed.. having had two heart attacks she tried the patches etc but with no luck and would always say... 'but I enjoy smoking..' before going back on her ciggies. Anyway to cut a long story short she has been on the vapour sticks for the past 15 months and is still going strong. What I do remember her telling me was that she had to try various different vapour sticks before she found one that suited her..so hang fire on buying anything until I find out which brand she uses...you just never know!

Regards

Keith

[Ray Scully]

I am of the opinion that where your health problem is a result of a life style choice i.e smoking, over eating, to high an alcohol consumption; it is unreasonable for your fellow citizens to pay for your treatment. Therefore if one falls into any of the aforementioned categories one should carry insurance to cover any resulting costs. This would benefit the majority with a lower tax bill as well as being a wake up call for those who at the moment do not fully consider the effects of their life style.

Ray

[Onelife]

I would like to agree with all of you who say vapour sticks shouldn't be available on the NHS......but DK frightens me.. squeak squeak...so l ain't say in nowt.

[anniec]

I am of the opinion that where your health problem is a result of a life style choice i.e smoking, over eating, to high an alcohol consumption; it is unreasonable for your fellow citizens to pay for your treatment. Therefore if one falls into any of the aforementioned categories one should carry insurance to cover any resulting costs. This would benefit the majority with a lower tax bill as well as being a wake up call for those who at the moment do not fully consider the effects of their life style.

Ray

Trouble is, where to draw the line? No new knees for joggers?

[Onelife]

I am of the opinion that where your health problem is a result of a life style choice i.e smoking, over eating, to high an alcohol consumption; it is unreasonable for your fellow citizens to pay for your treatment. Therefore if one falls into any of the aforementioned categories one should carry insurance to cover any resulting costs. This would benefit the majority with a lower tax bill as well as being a wake up call for those who at the moment do not fully consider the effects of their life style.

Ray

Trouble is, where to draw the line? No new knees for joggers?

Hi anniec. ...but jogging is the healthy option

[Kenmo1]

I would like to agree with all of you who say vapour sticks shouldn't be available on the NHS......but DK frightens me.. squeak squeak...so l ain't say in nowt.

Perhaps DK is struggling to give up cigarettes and isn't normally so grumpy

Actually, I just hope that they don't eventually find out that the chemicals in these e cigarettes aren't equally as dangerous as normal cigarettes. It seems that the Government and Health Service chop and change their minds regularly about what is good and what is bad for us.

When Ken had his heart attack he gave up cigarettes straight away and then lived on Polos and Tic-tacs for ages afterwards. Good luck to anyone who is trying to give up cigarettes as I'm sure Ken would be dead by now if he hadn't. Plus the bonus for the family was that we saved pots of money towards holidays. Maureen.

[oldbluefox]

I would like to agree with all of you who say vapour sticks shouldn't be available on the NHS......but DK frightens me.. squeak squeak...so l ain't say in nowt.

It's comforting to know you were right behind me (even if you were hiding)!

[Raybosailor]

I am of the opinion that where your health problem is a result of a life style choice i.e smoking, over eating, to high an alcohol consumption; it is unreasonable for your fellow citizens to pay for your treatment. Therefore if one falls into any of the aforementioned categories one should carry insurance to cover any resulting costs. This would benefit the majority with a lower tax bill as well as being a wake up call for those who at the moment do not fully consider the effects of their life style.

Ray

Trouble is, where to draw the line? No new knees for joggers?

Anniec I don't think insurance companies would entertain a policy to cover smokers, they are like bookies and only work on odds that are more suited to them making big profits.

As for joggers getting problems with their knees, that is pretty likely to happen too as impact sports are a big strain on your joints. I am a prime example of this as I played football well into my 40's and used to jog a few miles every day but my knees are shot now. My doctor put it down to impact sports and wear and tear on the joints, he prescribed anti inflammatory tablets but they upset my stomach so I just use gentle exercise to work the small amount of fluid around my joints which works for me.

[Onelife]

I would like to agree with all of you who say vapour sticks shouldn't be available on the NHS......but DK frightens me.. squeak squeak...so l ain't say in nowt.

It's comforting to know you were right behind me (even if you were hiding)!

Hi foxy.....are you suggesting I'm some kind of a wimp?....let me tell you something....when l'm stood behind my wife l'm twice the man l am on here

[Onelife]

I've been giving this smoking thing a bit of thought and have come to the conclusion that prescribed vapour sticks ain't never going to happen.....Reason.....We still don't know the what the long term effects of using theses devises might have on health so for that reason alone no Government is going to support something that has the potential to cost them billions in compensation.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I've thought about this for a few days before responding. On balance I'm in the camp that says yes prescribe some e-cigs on a one-off limited time basis to help someone stop smoking the real thing. But that's it. If they decide to stay on the e-cigs as an ongoing habit, or fail to quite smoking, there's no second go.