One of the most fascinating things for me living in Seattle is the question, 'Who are the people that smoke?'

Overall smoking rates in the U.S. have noticeably decreased, and in cities like Seattle that pursue a healthy lifestyle, it has become an even rarer sight. However, sometimes when I see someone crouched down smoking on the street or behind a building, I wonder, what kind of people are still smoking?

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the smoking rate among adults has dropped from about 21% in 2005 to about 11% in 2022. Among them, the smoking rate among young people aged 18 to 24 has significantly decreased, and those with higher education or income levels tend to not smoke. In short, in groups sensitive to 'health' and 'information', smoking has almost been eliminated.

It's really hard to see in Seattle. There used to be street ashtrays, and it was common for people coming out of cafes to smoke a cigarette, but now that scene has almost disappeared. Smoking indoors in places like restaurants or bars is now legally impossible, and even within apartment buildings, non-smoking areas are increasingly being established. At some point, seeing a 'smoker' has become a rare experience.

So, who are these rare smokers?

First, there are those who grew up in a cultural background that still accepts smoking. Especially in the southern regions or rural areas of the U.S., the smoking rate is much higher than in cities. For them, smoking has become a way to relieve stress and a part of daily life.

Second, there are people who are mentally anxious or under a lot of stress. It is scientifically explained to some extent that smoking is good for stress relief. Reports indicate that among those with a history of mental illness, the smoking rate is more than twice the average. Those with less social support or access to healthcare tend to attempt to quit less and have lower success rates.

Third, there are still people who think of smoking as part of their 'personal style'. They view it as a symbol of free-spirited youth from the 90s or a sign of rebellion. Some artists, musicians, or those with a free-spirited, hippie-like tendency may fall into this category. In a city like Seattle, where music and art are deeply ingrained, such people can occasionally be seen.

Fourth, there are those who are truly addicted to nicotine. They have tried to quit dozens of times but have failed each time, and now they just accept it and live with it. Nicotine is surprisingly a highly addictive substance, making it harder to quit than one might think.

Personally, I feel a bit sorry for smokers. It's like seeing someone still carrying around a VHS tape. Times have changed a lot, and for health reasons and social atmosphere, it seems that smoking has really lost its place.

However, on the other hand, I think we can't just look down on those people. Everyone has their own way of coping, and there may be circumstances we don't know about. While consideration for non-smokers in public places is essential, I hope we don't hastily judge someone just because they are smoking.

These days, there are many methods to help quit smoking, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine patches, and gum, and many people are successfully quitting with such help. Perhaps one day, it may become hard to find even a whiff of cigarette smoke on the streets of America.

Today, I encountered a person smoking on my way to work in Seattle's clean air, and I found myself cheering them on silently.

"You will be a wonderful person without cigarettes someday."