Tobacco and smoking have long been intertwined with the music industry, But the tides have been changing. More pressure is being put on the industry to be held accountable for glamorizing smoking.
A study published in Preventive Medicine Reports notes that tobacco imagery in things like music videos is prevalent. Since they appeal to young adult audiences, these viewers will likely imitate smoking seen on screen.
Apart from music videos, events like raves, festivals, and clubs have also been cracking down on smoking, even though these occasions have often been more accepting than other workplaces or public areas.
Smoking is becoming less acceptable at these nightlife activities and music events. However, you still might see some people doing it. Here’s what you should know about smoking at these music spaces and what other options you can explore:
Legality
Many states prohibit smoking in enclosed indoor spaces like music venues, which are considered workplaces. As such, smoking at a rave, festival, or club is typically not allowed or encouraged.
Smokefree Music Cities highlights how it’s vital to consider the implications of smoking at these music venues since these are also workplaces for other people. However, designated smoking and vaping zones are set up in some venues, including festivals. These are usually located away from stages and crowds to minimize secondhand smoke exposure.
Health Concerns
Smoking is associated with a multitude of health risks, but even non-smokers risk developing health issues. Inhaling secondhand smoke can lead to serious health problems like lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
If you smoke, you put other attendees, staff, and even performers at risk. Crowded spaces amplify the dangers as well. Raves, festivals, and clubs often have people packed together, meaning more people can be affected by secondhand smoke during an event.
Social Considerations
Even if smoking is permissible in certain music venues or events, the act has social implications as well. Many people find smoking unpleasant; the smell of cigarette smoke can be offensive and bother others, especially in enclosed spaces.
There may also be people around you who trying to quit smoking, and being exposed to cigarettes can make it harder for them to stay off cigarettes.
Managing Cravings at Music Venues
Choosing not to smoke at a rave, festival, or club—even if it’s allowed or there are smoking zones—demonstrates respect for the health and comfort of those around you. However, you may be concerned about cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
Fortunately, there are other options and alternatives you can do to keep you feeling your best when in these venues or events.
Smokless Alternatives And NRTs
Smokeless alternatives and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can help you manage cravings without exposing others to secondhand smoke. Nicotine pouches are a rising smokeless alternative thanks to their discreet nicotine delivery and wide range of flavors and strengths.
ZYN Spearmint is a smokeless pouch that reduces cravings while simultaneously keeping your mouth feeling fresh for up to an hour. The subtle, pleasant, and satisfying taste and experience are suitable for raves, festivals, and clubs since you aren’t overwhelmed by the flavor, and you can focus on the music and enjoy yourself.
Other options are NRT products, which both minimize cravings and help with smoking cessation. Nicotine patches are stuck on the skin and can be hidden under clothes, offering a discreet experience.
They can also be worn for up to 24 hours, according to UnivDatos, so that they can stay out of sight and out of mind while at a rave, festival, or club.
However, if you’d prefer not to have a visible patch as you want to wear more revealing Must-Have Rave Clothing Items, nicotine lozenges, and gum are other options to consider. They don’t work as long as patches, but they can still help manage cravings.
Avoid Triggers
Raves, festivals, and clubs are full of triggers that can encourage you to pick up a cigarette. Alcohol, other smokers, and even being in the venue itself are some examples of triggers. It can be hard to avoid them, but staying alert can help you watch out and take measures to keep them at bay.
You can reach out to your companions and ask them for support and motivation; they can help you steer clear and talk you out of smoking if you encounter a trigger. Mobile apps are also another way you can avoid triggers.
Quit Sense uses artificial intelligence to tell you if you’ve been to an area you’ve smoked in before. If you’re a frequent rave or festival goer who’s smoked in music venues before, this technology can give you personalized tips on how to stay away from cigarettes.