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The Financial Cost of Smoking in Louisiana *Online Only*

January 2024

By Wallet Hub

WalletHub calculated the potential monetary losses — including the lifetime and annual costs of a pack of cigarettes per day, health care expenditures, income losses and other costs — brought on by smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

THE FINANCIAL COST OF SMOKING IN LOUISIANA (1=Lowest, 25=Avg.):

• Overall rank for Louisiana: 46th

• Out-of-Pocket Cost per Smoker – $126,144 (Rank: 43rd)

• Financial-Opportunity Cost per Smoker – $2,246,935 (Rank: 43rd)

• Health-Care Cost per Smoker – $151,108 (Rank: 43rd)

• Income Loss per Smoker – $462,853 (Rank: 48th)

• Other Costs per Smoker – $16,170 (Rank: 41st)

• Total Cost Over Lifetime per Smoker: $3,003,211

• Total Cost per Year per Smoker: $62,567

TIPS FOR QUITTING SMOKING

• Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): Consider using nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, lozenges, or nasal spray. These can help manage withdrawal symptoms and gradually reduce nicotine dependence.

• Replace smoking with healthy habits: Substitute smoking with healthier activities. Exercise, chew gum, snack on fruits or vegetables, or engage in hobbies to distract yourself from cravings.

• Understand your triggers: Identify situations, emotions, or activities that trigger your urge to smoke. Once you're aware of these triggers, develop strategies to cope with them without turning to cigarettes.

• Seek support: Share your decision to quit with friends, family, or coworkers who can provide encouragement and accountability. Consider joining a support group or seeking professional help.

• Reward yourself: Celebrate your milestones, whether they are hours, days, or weeks without smoking. Treat yourself to something special as a reward for your hard work and dedication.

• Create a Smoke-Free Environment: Remove cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays from your home and car. Make your living spaces smoke-free to reduce the temptation to smoke.

To view the full report and your state or the District’s rank, please visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/the-financial-cost-of-smoking-by-state/9520