A recent Washintgon Post article outlined the following "Packing a Heavier Warning
Elsewhere, Cigarette Boxes Bear Graphic Evidence of Smoking's Ill Effects; U.S. Labels Will Soon Do the Same" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/03/AR2009080302229.html
Researchers have found a higher level of awareness when it comes to the risk of smoking cigarettes and nicotine addiction in countries such as Canada and Australia, and credit that to the more explicit labels in these countries. It has been argued that "pictures are more likely to catch people's attention and to hold people's attention over time," especially if the message reaches kids.
"Even the most hardened, recalcitrant smoker will often tell us, 'Well, they don't have an effect on me, but my 6-year-old keeps coming up to me and saying, "Daddy, this is going to happen to you?" ' " Hammond says. "That does not happen with the text warning (that has been used in the past in the United States)."
Study author David Hammond is a researcher from the Department of Health Studies at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.
It is argued that these labels will also break the barrier when it comes to getting the message across for people who can't read (the labels in English) and targets this population that is "more likely to smoke anyway."
Over the years I have found showing brain images of alcohol/drug abuse an effective deterrent especially for early stage users...
http://www.amenclinics.com/brain-science/spect-image-gallery/spect-atlas/images-of-alcohol-and-drug-abuse/
Showing graphic images on cigarette packages is just showing what tends to be a (longer term)"natural consequence" to engaging in such behaviour and therefore creating a negative association (in the present) with smoking (or other substances).
Working with nicotine addicted clients who now have emphysema, they state they would do just about anything to "get their life back".
My belief of (graphically) showing the risk & consequences is providing the potential consumer/child with a more informed choice.
I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Best health and warmest regards, Paul Radkowski
-Saving and transforming lives and families 24/7
info@liferecoveryprogram.com
http://www.liferecoveryprogram.com/
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