Smoking cessation campaign begins

From November 1 to November 30, Santé publique France and the Ministry of Health, with the Social Security Fund, are launching a 30-day initiative to help people quit smoking. The program provides free tools and personalized support, encouraging participants to stop smoking together for mutual encouragement.

Program’s long-term success

Since the initiative began in 2016, more than 2.5 million people have participated, with 117,000 registering last year. Nelly David, director general of Addiction France, emphasized that the program has proven effective for smokers, as the chances of quitting for good increase fivefold after 30 days of abstinence.

Smoking rates show decline

Among people aged 18 to 75 in Metropolitan France, 25% reported smoking in 2024, down from 32% in 2021. Daily smoking has also decreased, from 25% to 18%, leading to nearly 4 million fewer daily smokers in France today compared to ten years ago.

Younger smokers see notable drop

The decline in smoking is most visible among young adults. Daily smoking among those aged 18 to 29 dropped to 18.4% in 2024, compared to 29% in 2021. More than half of daily smokers in France express a desire to quit, indicating growing awareness of the health risks.

Tobacco remains a major health concern

Despite the decline in smoking rates, tobacco remains a significant public health issue. According to Santé publique France, smoking caused over 68,000 premature deaths in France in 2023, accounting for 11% of all deaths.

E-cigarettes gain popularity among youth

While cigarette use is decreasing among adolescents, e-cigarettes are becoming more common. The French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Trends reported that 46.0% of high school students had tried e-cigarettes in 2024, compared to 35.1% in 2015. Disposable e-cigarettes, or puffs, are a major driver of this trend.

Participation details available

To join the Tobacco-Free Month, individuals can register at mois-sans-tabac.fr. The program began accepting registrations in October. Additional support is available through the Tabac Info Service app and the free telephone number 39 89.