Estonia's smoking decline hides a stubborn nicotine addiction problem

Smoking traditional cigarettes in Estonia has fallen over the last decade, with only 13% of the population now lighting up daily. Among young adults aged 16 to 24, the habit has dropped sharply. Yet, despite this decline, the overall number of nicotine users remains steady due to the rise of new products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Signe Riisalo, a former government minister and chair of the Riigikogu’s Social Commission, has spoken openly about her long struggle with nicotine addiction. She began smoking as a student and later switched to heated tobacco, a habit she now regrets. Though she has tried quitting—even during pregnancies—and made other lifestyle changes, she admits she still hasn’t managed to stop.

Current data shows 18% of Estonian men and 10% of women smoke daily. While fewer young people now use conventional cigarettes, many have turned to alternatives. Anneli Sammel, who leads the Alcohol and Tobacco department at TAI, points out that these newer products have kept overall nicotine use from falling. Instead of quitting, smokers are simply switching to different forms of nicotine.

The shift away from traditional cigarettes marks a change in habits, but not necessarily a reduction in nicotine dependence. Health officials continue to monitor trends as new products reshape smoking patterns. For many, like Riisalo, breaking free from nicotine remains a persistent challenge.