Social smoking has caught hold with students as a way to limit their indulgence.
The phrase "social smoker" is a loosely regarded term, but the average number of cigarettes consumed per day is six.
"I call myself a situational smoker," said Zach Barnett, junior in business.
But whatever idiom is used, the definition is the same.
"I do it when I drink, or I'm bored and it is available," said Andrew Perez, sophomore in business.
Perez said he doesn't even buy a pack unless he is inebriated or it is the weekend, and since he cut down on smoking, he can breathe better.
Not all social smokers are former "heavy smokers." Some are new to the indulgence.
"I started during finals week my freshman year," said Cameron Traylor, sophomore in civil engineering.
Traylor jokingly said that he started to follow in his parents' footsteps.
"I smoke when I drink or when I am in my car," Traylor said. "My car smells like smoke so it makes me want a cigarette pretty bad any time I crank up the whip."
Guys are not the only ones lighting up socially.
"I started out as a social smoker, and then became what would probably be labeled a heavy smoker this past semester," said Sara Kenny, sophomore in social work. "Now I'm making the transition back to being a social smoker."
Kenny said she started smoking socially to keep a buzz going or relieve stress.
According to taxfundation.org, the tax on a pack of cigarettes in Alabama is 4% as of July 1, 2009.
"I figure buying cigs with this new tax is a double positive," Traylor said. "I can make myself happy and help pay for the six trillion dollar deficit."
Perez said the new tax has made him realize how stupid smoking is.
"I can't even fathom paying extra cash for something that kills me; it is dumb," Perez said.
This social smoking phenomenon might not be a new installment, but it is in vogue.
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