I think that is a good comparison (and a good way for governments to think of the obese, like addicts).  Personally the very high price of fags in the UK never put me off. Sure it was very annoying and left resentment towards the government, but I still didn't quit for that reason. It was when I noticed my circulation was pretty bad (during a very cold winter) that I finally quit. The one positive out of this tax is that they will start paying towards their own healthcare, as smokers have do with their extra taxes.