Addiction, smoking and health: Developing policy-based interventions

Abstract

Addictive behaviours are repetitive, pleasurable behaviours associated with a loss of control and unpleasant effects when ceased. In a culture which enshrines a belief in personal control, addictive behaviours are viewed as a possible manifestation of mental ill-health. Paradoxically, the most prevalent and harmful addictive behaviours are encouraged or accepted in Western societies: drinking alcoholic beverages, eating fatty, salty and sugary foods, smoking tobacco, gambling and taking medically prescribed psychoactive drugs. The purpose of this paper is to review psychological explanations of addictive behaviours with particular reference to smoking in its ecological context. The paper analyses the implications of what is known about the psychology of addictive behaviours for public policy. Analysis of the UK Government's Health of the Nation policy reveals gaps which must be filled if reductions in smoking prevalence in teenagers and low-income people are to be achieved.