up in smoke..

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On sort of a similar topic of conversation, I was thinking about smoking again. The prices over here in the UK for smoking have increased dramatically recently. The cigarettes I smoke, went from £5.73 for a 20 pack.. up to £5.94 .. and are now at £6.12 .. I mean I know that this is a world where no one really should be smoking, and the price increase only encourages people to quit which is a good thing.. but should we really be socialised into not doing something merely because we can’t afford it? I really can’t afford to buy £70 shoes from TopShop, but if I want them, I will buy them, no matter how broke it leaves me. So isn’t smoking the same thing? I mean don’t get me wrong, I’d love to quit, as previous discussions have stated, and it is something I’m seriously considering doing, but for my health. At least it was for my health, but now it’s about the money. And isn’t that wrong? Shouldn’t I be more concerned about my welfare rather than my pocket? I just personally think it’s wrong that prices are increased on things like alcohol and cigarettes to discourage the use, when realistically it is the individuals choice! I mean, if someone is dependent on alcohol, or cigarettes etc.. in my personally experience, they will find the money. From somewhere. Or they will end up stealing the products.. all increasing prices does is discourages use from people who probably could lay off it if they wanted to. I just personally don’t think it’s very fair that the average joe is put in a position where they cannot afford something they want simply because someone somewhere decides it is the solution. What do you think of this?