Pennsylvania Faces Tobacco Crisis as 1 in 7 Adults Remain Addicted
In Pennsylvania, nearly one in seven adults continues to rely on tobacco or nicotine products as 2026 approaches, highlighting a persistent public health crisis. According to the American Lung Association, approximately 14.9 percent of adults in the state use products such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine pouches. This addiction remains the top cause of preventable death, claiming around 22,010 lives annually in Pennsylvania.
Health advocates are emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue, especially as many individuals consider New Year’s resolutions aimed at improving their health. “In our state, 14.9 percent of adults smoke and 17 percent of high school students use a tobacco product,” stated Elizabeth Hensil, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania. “We know that breaking the addiction to nicotine is extremely difficult. For most people, it takes multiple attempts to quit tobacco for good. Each quit attempt brings a person closer to reaching their goal.”
The American Lung Association is actively encouraging individuals who use tobacco or nicotine products to prioritize quitting in 2026. The organization highlights that cessation at any age can lead to significant improvements in both lifespan and quality of life. While early cessation offers the greatest advantages, health experts maintain that it is never too late to stop using these products.
To assist those seeking to quit, the American Lung Association provides a free Lung Helpline, which offers one-on-one support to adults and teens aged 13 and older. By calling 1-800-LUNGUSA, individuals can connect with licensed registered nurses, respiratory therapists, or certified tobacco treatment specialists who are trained in evidence-based cessation strategies.
Hensil noted that medical guidance plays an essential role in successful quitting. She encourages those ready to stop using tobacco or nicotine to consult their healthcare providers about Food and Drug Administration-approved cessation medications, which can be most effective when combined with structured quit programs.
In addition to providing quitting support, the Lung Helpline also offers information about lung cancer screening eligibility and helps callers navigate insurance challenges. It connects individuals with Lung Health Navigators who specialize in conditions such as lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, the service collaborates with employers that are committed to assisting their workforce in quitting tobacco.
Most health insurance plans cover medications and counseling designed to help individuals stop using tobacco. For those lacking coverage, advocates recommend visiting Healthcare.gov and Pennie.gov for enrollment options, noting that open enrollment for health insurance runs through January 15.
As Pennsylvania heads into 2026, public health officials stress the urgency of addressing nicotine addiction, which remains widespread across various age groups. They underscore that proven tools are available to help individuals break free from this addiction. The challenge lies in ensuring that these resources reach those who need them most.
