West Virginians have a lot going against us when it comes to our health. We battle obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, addiction and mental health woes on a scale that makes those in other states wonder what in the world is going on here in the mountains.

Among those addictions is nicotine and tobacco products. Smoking, vaping and the use of smokeless tobacco seem to be one of those generational curses the big tobacco companies just keep counting on us to pass along. In fact, according to researchers at NiceRx, West Virginia has the highest percentage in the country of adults who smoke, at 23.8%.

Nearly one-quarter of our state’s adult population is bearing the financial cost of smoking — in the Mountain State that’s about $7.33 a pack, which includes $1.20 tax — and also the eventual physical cost of smoking. And, again, this report is looking purely at smoking. Vaping and smokeless tobacco are dangerous and costly, as well.

If you’re a pack-a-day smoker, that’s more than $2,675 a year up in smoke. And with 23.8% of adults smoking — that’s 334,616 smokers here — if each of them is, indeed, purchasing one pack per day, that’s $401,539 daily going to state government for the tobacco tax alone.

Smoking is responsible for 70% of lung cancer cases, and can also lead to other cancers and cardiovascular issues. It’s time to break the cycle, folks. It’s not easy, but you can do it. There are resources everywhere to help.

West Virginia’s Tobacco Quit Line is 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-877-966-8784. Smokers looking to quit can also try wvtobaccoquitline.com or text 304-583-4010.