The hidden cost of tobacco

November 3, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:30

Caption

Tobacco and nicotine — whether smoked, vaped, or used in smokeless forms — are linked to a wide range of health problems, depending on the method of use.

Tobacco and nicotine — whether smoked, vaped, or used in smokeless forms — are linked to a wide range of health problems, depending on the method of use. In Canada, tobacco-related harm ranks second only to alcohol in terms of healthcare costs and lost productivity. Smoking hinders physical performance and recovery, and also strains the health system — all of which affect individual and organization-wide operational readiness.
How much is smoking/vaping costing you? Use the Cigarette Cost Calculator and the Vaping Cost Calculator to find out.

How smoking affects operational readiness and personal health

Smoking tobacco can interfere with your ability to stay active, recover efficiently, and perform at your peak, having impacts such as:

• Reduced lung capacity and endurance: Physical tasks become more challenging and recovering from them takes longer.
• A higher risk of: Disability and delayed healing.
• An increased risk of chronic illness: Including cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and stroke.
• Secondhand exposure: Smoke and vapour from vaping devices (also referred to as vaping/e-cigarette aerosol) can affect the health of loved ones and pets.

Other forms of tobacco have risks too:

• Oral health concerns: Smoked and smokeless products such as chew can lead to gum disease or oral cancer.
• Reproductive health: Nicotine reduces fertility and increases the risk of pregnancy complications.

The benefits of cutting back

• Better lung function: Easier breathing and improved stamina.
• Faster healing and higher level of physical capacity: Supporting readiness.
• Financial savings: Freeing up money for what matters most.
• Healthier environments: Protecting those around you from secondhand exposure.

Benefits you may not have thought of

• Enhanced taste and smell.
• Lower stress and improved mood.
• Higher home and car resale value.
• Environmental impact: Tobacco production and waste contribute to pollution — from chemicals used in farming and manufacturing to litter from cigarette butts and cartridges.

Help is available

Whether you're looking to reduce tobacco-related harm by cutting back or quitting all together, support is available:

• Your local Strengthening the Forces Health Promotion Offices offer the BUTT OUT Program, and other individual and community resources.
• Your pharmacist can provide advice about medications to help you quit, including nicotine replacement therapy available through the CAF Drug Plan.   
• Your local CAF clinic can help you explore treatment options, recommend resources, and provide support, including mental health and addiction services.
• Defence Team public servants: Smoking cessation aids are covered up to 80% under the Public Service Health Care Plan.
• Your dental team can offer information and resources on the health effects of smoking, vaping, smokeless tobacco, and cannabis.
• Your peers, supervisors, and leaders can support your health goals and help create healthier environments.

Resources for all Defence Team members

• DAOD 5020-1, Smoking in the Workplace
• Health Canada – Smoking, Vaping and tobacco
• Lower Risk Nicotine Guidelines
• Self Help Booklet: Quit with Confidence 
• Tools for a smoke-free life
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Provincial and Territorial Services for everyone
• Help someone quit smoking
• Canada’s Tobacco Strategy
• LifeSmart Coaching from Homewood Health by EAP (Smoking Cessation) (accessible only on the National Defence network)
• Short-Term Counselling from Homewood Health by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (accessible only on the National Defence network)

Strengthening the Forces (STF) is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program, offering expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to enhance CAF members’ health and well-being.