The feds are at it again … during a recession, even. They raised the tax on cigarettes in May from $.39 to $1.01, the highest hike in our nation’s history. Businesses anticipating a loss in revenue due to the tax hike raised cigarette prices back in March.

The higher prices and tax are expected to drive consumption down as low as 6.25%, analysts say, which would result in a loss of about $20.9 million in state tax revenue and settlement money for the tobacco companies. In addition to the federal tax, Washington has the 5th highest state cigarette tax in the country at $2.025 per pack.

The higher tax and prices also seem to be strong stimulators for the smoking cessation business. Stress breeds more copious cigarette smoking. Many have resolved to quit smoking, but reverted back to it. The already slumping economy was one factor that produced enough stress, but now the higher prices may pressure many on the smoking fence to make that fateful decision to finally quit for good.

A premium pack of cigarettes costs Washington citizens about $7.00. That’s over $2,500 annually for one-pack-a-day smokers. Many smoke up to two packs a day, so that would mean $5,000 for their pricey bad habit, and if you have two smokers in the same household, that’s $10,000 annually. Unless you’ve got the bucks to burn, you probably should consider quitting, and the state has made it even easier to do so.

With the smoking cessation program sponsored by the state, Washington residents can receive free counseling, along with free nicotine patches and gum. Smokers are weighing their options.

Some interviewed said that they can either smoke or eat. It appears that thousands are choosing the latter. Tobacco Quite Line calls increased by 243% in April compared to the same time a year ago, officials of the state-sponsored program stated. Only 1,231 people called last year, but 4,221 calls were received this year.

Is the current cost of cigarettes is pushing you over the threshold and making you want to quit? There are many free programs offered in Tacoma and surrounding areas for your convenience.

If you are interested in some of the free programs available, you can call any of the following for more information:

• Freedom From Tobacco Program – St. Joseph Medical Center – Tacoma – (253) 593-2297
• Say Goodbye to Tobacco – St. Anthony Hospital – Gig Harbor – (253) 223-7538
• Washington State Tobacco Quit Line – statewide – (800) QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or (877) 2NO-FUME (3863) for Spanish

Good luck to all those who laid down the drags to pick up a new cause in their lives, and congratulations on your resolve!