Will graphic images on packets get you to quit smoking?

[Disco Dan]

Will graphic images on packets get you to quit smoking?


<img src="http://www.finalpuff.co.uk/images/graphic_smoking_warnings.jpg"></img> <img src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/images/705267.jpg"></img> <img src="http://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/0802/2adda41b754e79a93c79.jpeg"></img>




http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10493686

I am a smoker and I can certainly tell you that it wont make any difference. One of the comments from the above link really hits the nail on the head though:


Nope, because all smokers know that they don't smoke for the reasons everyone else seems to think they do. They no more choose to smoke than an alcoholic chooses to drink. When the so called experts realise that smoking is not a choice (although the first cigarette is!) it is an addiction, then things might change. Telling people that it is killing them and showing graphic images will do nothing despite the experts patting themselves on the back and saying it does. When they start funding courses such as "Easy way to stop smoking" well then they may start to see a reduction in the smoking rates. But nope, the government pours successive amounts of taxpayer money at supposed "scare tactics". Personally I think it is fear that the government will not acknowledge that the "Easyway" methods work. After all smokers contribute a mint to the economy and despite the figures rarely take the same amount back.

[skidMark]

Governments could ban ciggies, but they get a shitload of tax dollars out of them being sold, more tax dollars than the health bill of the smokers who get ill.

[Disco Dan]

That is one theory why the government has chosen 'scare tactics' rather than asking those addicted what methods would work best.

3/4 of the price is tax.

I have made several serious attempts to quit, but I still 'enjoy' smoking. Although I enjoy always having an excuse to get out of a social situation or conversation to have a cigarette, having my own 'time out' outside.

[Mikkel]

I was a party-smoker for all of 3 months...

These days I'll accept the odd joint or so.

No pictures would sway my decision either way.

If I wasn't at home on dial-up I'd get hold of Denis Leary having a rant on the subject - but alas...

No amount of smoking is ever going to be worth lung-cancer though. Trust me :yes:

[skidMark]

That is one theory why the government has chosen 'scare tactics' rather than asking those addicted what methods would work best.

3/4 of the price is tax.

I have made several serious attempts to quit, but I still 'enjoy' smoking. Although I enjoy always having an excuse to get out of a social situation or conversation to have a cigarette, having my own 'time out' outside.


My mate said the other day, ive quit smoking!

"awesome man"

next day hes lighting up a ciggie and goes

Mate: "Man i'm so glad i quit"

Me: "But you are smoking"

Mate: "No i didn't quit ciggies i quit ze other kind"

Me: "LMFAO"

:whistle:

[SlashWylde]

For the record I don't smoke cigarettes. But I'd like to see how they plan to put their pretty little stickers on each of the individual cigars sold at my favorite store downtown.

[Pussy]

I'm going to try to collect the whole set of images. Perhaps other KBers might be able to swap with me so we can complete our respective collections

[slowpoke]

You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Perhaps the graphic images will help some people admit that: hey, this is actually a problem and maybe I do need help, 'cos that could/will be me one day.
Why should the government fund the "easyquit" programs? Surely people can do their own sums and realise that whatever it costs it's a shit load cheaper than a long term smoking habit? Aaaaah, who am I kidding, if people can't figure out that smoking = premature death, then what hope is there....?

[Dodgyiti]

A guy at work said to me last week-
"Those smokes are going to kill you"
I replied-
"Piss me off again and I can give you a faster way"

[SixPackBack]

You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Perhaps the graphic images will help some people admit that: hey, this is actually a problem and maybe I do need help, 'cos that could/will be me one day.
Why should the government fund the "easyquit" programs? Surely people can do their own sums and realise that whatever it costs it's a shit load cheaper than a long term smoking habit? Aaaaah, who am I kidding, if people can't figure out that smoking = premature death, then what hope is there....?

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man. If it was really that easy to stop, smoking would never exist.

Non-smokers and those that have never smoked have no idea how this insidious shite gets hold of an individual. The will power needed to give up is substantial, once stopped 'the want' goes on for months becoming all consuming. Even years after smelling a cigarette, first thing on a fresh morning brings it all back, beckoning the addict to take up smoking again.

Think about it. Why else would folk participate in something that costs a fortune, fucks their health and give no benefit. Think Heroin and your on the right track.

[toebug]

I agree with sixpack.

I read the book "easy way to stop smoking" and I havent been a full time smoker for 6 months. I went 4 months without any at all, but every day was a mission. If I am around smokers I struggle hard core otherwise its not too bad. I expect it will take me years to fully get rid of the bloody things!

[JimO]

i dont smoke, never have but i doubt the pics will make people stop, its personal choice anyway if people want to kill themselves with ciggys let them. the only thing that saddens me is seeing youngsters smoking when they know its bad for them but its cool. if any of my boys start smoking they wont be doing it in my house or on my property but i doubt i can stop them when they are out with their mates, but if they choose to smoke they wont get another cent out of me for their various activitys, if they can afford to smoke they can afford to fund their own life

[Maha]

They use the owrd 'can' alot.... can cause this, can cause that. Not 'Does' or 'Will'.......only 'Can'. So no, i will puff away until I choose to give up. I have never seen Gangrene caused by smoking before, thats stretching it a bit, the end result of clogged arteries caused by smoking? There's a shit load of things out there that 'Can' kill you if ya' not carefull, smoking is just one of them.

[deanohit]

I gave up a while back because I was too breathless while hunting, not because of the thought of long term problems.
My mate who still smokes just takes the tobbaco out of the poutch and puts it in a tin, always has, so I would doubt he'd quit because of some pictures.

Maybe they should just show these pics in school and frighten kids enough that they'll never pick up a smoke and start!

[Livvy]

I gave up a while back because I was too breathless while hunting, not because of the thought of long term problems.
My mate who still smokes just takes the tobbaco out of the poutch and puts it in a tin, always has, so I would doubt he'd quit because of some pictures.

Maybe they should just show these pics in school and frighten kids enough that they'll never pick up a smoke and start!
That won't work either.

Take it from a school kid. My Dad's smoked for forty odd years, I've grown up around it and hated it so though I have had a few cigarettes in my time I have no intention of starting, but a few of my friends do - they've seen these images, but when you're my age, a lot of people just think "nah, that'll never happen to me" - because of people like my Dad, who've had almost no ill side effects from the addiction, and ignoring people like our family friend Wynne (and coincidentally, workmate of my parents', and they're all doctors) who died due to throat cancer for smoking for just as long as my Dad.

If doctors smoke, doctors who've seen, treated, lived through the side effects themselves, why would it stop anyone else? But I do think it will help stop others who will firstly think of people who are their "Wynne".

[spookytooth]

na a few pics wont stop me.On the other hand i wish i had never had that first ciggy 40 years ago :)Surly theres a way to take the nicotine out of backy

[rainman]

I smoked 40+ a day for more than 10 years until I had an epiphany that smoking was one of the more idiotic things I was doing, and chose to stop. It was ferkin hard work but it was doable. Never touched one since, never want to, never will.

Can be done if you're determined enough. Not easy, I know. Get a supportive friend is the best way, someone to keep you honest.

[deanohit]

That won't work either.

Take it from a school kid. My Dad's smoked for forty odd years, I've grown up around it and hated it so though I have had a few cigarettes in my time I have no intention of starting, but a few of my friends do - they've seen these images, but when you're my age, a lot of people just think "nah, that'll never happen to me" - because of people like my Dad, who've had almost no ill side effects from the addiction, and ignoring people like our family friend Wynne (and coincidentally, workmate of my parents', and they're all doctors) who died due to throat cancer for smoking for just as long as my Dad.
I mean show it to 8-9 year olds! Really frighten the shit out of them.

My house mate still smokes despite the fact his grandad is in the house here bed riddin with Emphysema after only smoking a few smokes a day for 15 years. Thats hard evidence right here and yet he still smokes, so I doubt a few pictures will stop him.

[Livvy]

I mean show it to 8-9 year olds! Really frighten the shit out of them.

Well by the time they're thirteen or so the shock will have worn off and they'll be right into the "nah, that won't happen to me" stage anyway... Might work for a few, I guess, but without getting into the bloody PC debate, it wouldn't work because mothers and fathers wouldn't want to expose dear little Hannah to it, she might get nightmares, and then they'll be bad parents.


My house mate still smokes despite the fact his grandad is in the house here bed riddin with Emphysema after only smoking a few smokes a day for 15 years. Thats hard evidence right here and yet he still smokes, so I doubt a few pictures will stop him.

Probably not, then.

As Rain said about his decision, you have to CHOSE to stop. It'll be easier for some, but it has to be a completely conscious decision without any outside influence I'd guess. You have to want to do it for yourself, not because someone's nagging you to.

[deanohit]

Might work for a few, I guess, but without getting into the bloody PC debate, it wouldn't work because mothers and fathers wouldn't want to expose dear little Hannah to it, she might get nightmares, and then they'll be bad parents.
Yep, fucken PC world.

[Jiminy]

I'm a non smoker, so I didn't vote. I'm generally positive about things like the smoking ban in public places. But THAT is just going too far. It's just plain disgusting and will probably have no impact at all!

When will pictures of car/bike accident be mandatory on our vehicle to remind us that 'road/speed/whatever kills'? Or fat pictures on unhealthy food? Or cancer pictures on the beach? Or war pictures on government buildings?

Sometimes I'm sick of that belief that every accident or non-natural death can be prevented with some laws.

We will all die one day, so life kills, let's ban life!

[madandy]

I smoked for over 20 years. My partner, Sharon for 10 years. When we started trying to make a baby she quit - cold turkey. I continued to smoke for 6 months until a date I'd pre-set in my mind. I HAD to quit - for my son.
I read the "easy way to quit smoking' book and I really think it helped. It has helped two good freinds of our to quit. You have to be open to the idea that smoking is a RELLY fucking stupid thing to do though.
I'm a bit surprised to read people saying the image of what your lungs look like due to smoking and the thought that your heart just might one day stop becuase you poisoned it don't deter them!
SMoking nearly killed my old man and I've known a couple of blokes that passed on through fucked lungs...but then my Granfather lived to 89 and smoked since WW2.

Every time we enjoy a few beers/wines/rums/whatever in the company of smokers we realise how easily we could light one up but I for one enjoy the HUGE improvement in my health, concentration span, being able to stay inside when its pissing down and cold out side and NOT stinking like a faggot.

[007XX]

Think about it. Why else would folk participate in something that costs a fortune, fucks their health and give no benefit. Think Heroin and your on the right track.

That's exactly right...I started at 14, and attempted to give up more times than I care to remember. Sometimes for long period of times, sometimes for just a few weeks.

But I was always going back to it for various reasons. Mostly I think because my addiction was leading me to take it as a "mental crutch": I felt I needed to smoke to be able to cope with stressful situations.

And that is exactly what is fundamentally wrong with it: It makes you believe you need it...your body craves it so badly everytime you try to give up that it wears you down until you give up.

I haven't smoked since November last year, and for the first time, I really feel confident I am not going to go back to it.
I think it is because I tried giving up so many times before, I became very aware of why and how I was going back to it...the triggers became so very obvious, they were nowhere near as bad when they did happen and I could face them without having any excuse in my mind.

I think if you really want to stop smoking, you have to get back in control of what gets you to want to smoke, and start holding yourself responsible for giving in :ie you get pissed off, start craving and then really think as you're on the doorstep of that dairy, ready to buy a pack of smokes : "Do I really want to do that?"

But eh, that's just my opinion. Different strokes for different folks. All I know is: it's worked for me so far.

[Tony.OK]

I've talked to people that haven't smoked for 30 years but still miss it,one lady even carried a straw in her pocket after 40yrs just for something to put between her fingers.
A guy at work just had a heart attack and even that hasn't put him off.
The HOLD these things have is incomprehensable to someone thats never smoked.
My wife works in a rest home and theres ppl nearly 100 yrs old that still smoke and healthy ppl that die much younger.Alot has to do with body make up and life in general I think.
Pictures won't do buggar all imho.
If you don't want to give up you won't.....................shit now I want one buggar it:msn-wink:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Same could be said of motorcycles mate! Althought teeth are sometimes the least of your worries. We choose to do these things. Cause we can. For now.

[breakaway]

I don't smoke, but can honestly say that these graphic images won't make any difference to me if I did. Just like watching all those videos of bike crashes on youtube doesn't make me want to stop riding.

[scumdog]

I'm glad they're putting those pics on the packets, after all, it's only fair the smokers know ALL the 'perks' of smoking eh? - you know other than the ones that say 'you're a rebel' and 'you'll look sexy if you smoke' and 'you'll be really cool when you smoke' and 'smoking will make you look wordly and sophisticated' etc etc.:whistle:

Proper product description and all that...:blink:

[Str8 Jacket]

I'm glad they're putting those pics on the packets, after all, it's only fair the smokers know ALL the 'perks' of smoking eh? - you know other than the ones that say 'you're a rebel' and 'you'll look sexy if you smoke' and 'you'll be really cool when you smoke' and 'smoking will make you look wordly and sophisticated' etc etc.:whistle:

Proper product description and all that...:blink:

Damn, I always thought that smoking made me look good. I mean, that's the only reason I smoke :crybaby:

[Disco Dan]

It is an addiction. As a smoker - I am an addict. Plain and simple.

Show cocaine users pictures of bad things happening on their little baggies.. do you think that would stop them from doing it?? No fucking shit it wont!

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night because you wanted a smoke? ..traipsed outside in your undies dragging away in the cold to curb the craving? Ever experienced that first cig of the day? What about the classic and my personal favorite - the after sex smoke.

You cant make someone quit - they have to want to. That is the first major hurdle.

Well i'm off to work... need to roll a smoke for the walk...

[Str8 Jacket]

What about the classic and my personal favorite - the after sex smoke.


I *was* taking you seriously until I read this......

[JimO]

i worked with a old guy years ago who's doctor told him to give up he stopped for a year and a half then started again 5 years later he died of throat cancer, i didnt care because he was a cunt but if he hadnt restarted smoking he may still be alive

[Mikkel]

Yep, fucken PC world.

Don't like PC - then you'll love this:

Denis Leary on smoking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoaYyZbKgG8&feature=related

On the subject of warnings on cigarette packs (sorry about the crappy visuals - anyway just listen):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulKfMR2stdo&feature=related

[Zuki Bandit]

God, that just stresses me out.... now I need a smoke!

[Madness]

I personally think that the new GHW's will not increase my resolve to quit a 20 year habit. If they lead to a decrease in the number of adolescents that take up smoking each year, I'm happy to "pay the price" of seeing them constantly.

[jcupit69]

If you look up the history of most drugs; cocane, opiates, heroin etc, most of them were legal and even encouraged at times by society and governments, just look at the origins of coca-cola (freud and the 'wonder drug' cocaine) and how england came to control hong-kong (opium trading).

When society begins to decide that the drug is no longer acceptable, as a result of media scare tactics, scientific research, or what ever, that is when these drugs become illegal, as the govenmnet has no choise but to act. Give it 10 - 20 years and im guessin there will be a big move to get smoking band completely and governments will use it as a big election ploy.

I dont think these pics will influence people to stop smoking, everyone knows the risks as it is, but it might make people think a lil harder about starting. But long live freedom of choise!!!!!

I hear the next step is shops not being allowed to display cigerettes for sale, so they have to keep them under the counter or something. Out of sight out of mind???

[Hitcher]

Tobacco is a much maligned wonder drug. It enhances shy people's social interactions, makes the awkward and uneasy look *hip*, controls and even reduces body weight, eliminates constipation, smooths the complexion and gives women a lovely deep gravelly way of talking. I am certain that those health impacts like lung cancer, gangrene and blindness are overrated. After all, everybody's got to die of something. Right?

[Livvy]

Tobacco is a much maligned wonder drug. It enhances shy people's social interactions, makes the awkward and uneasy look *hip*, controls and even reduces body weight, eliminates constipation, smooths the complexion and gives women a lovely deep gravelly way of talking. I am certain that those health impacts like lung cancer, gangrene and blindness are overrated. After all, everybody's got to die of something. Right?
This is a valid point, or valid points, really - but also you must look at this. Shy people need to make trusting friends who help them come out of their shell. If you're having problems with your weight, a lot of the time (but no, not always) it's because of a diet that isn't good for you personally or you're not getting enough exercise - same goes for the complexion thing and the constipation thing. As for voice, well, I guess that's personal preferance.

And maybe I'm wrong but you do sound a little sarcastic there too Hitcher, so really, I'd say it boils down to get some more confidence, talk to your doctor about what's the best diet and type of exercise for you and live a healthier life if you are able to break the habit.

I would also rather die comfortably in old age than of lung cancer. But that's just me.

[Blossom]

I have not read all the posts so forgive if this has already been stated.
I believe unless you actually dislike smoking you wont give up. Simple as that. No warnings, cancer, children, will make a difference, If you like/love smoking you have no desire do give up. It is an addiction and I am yet to meet anyone ever who gave up an addiction while they were still enjoying it.
Giving up smoking is easy. Staying gived up in extremely hard. I have given up 6 times and gone for up to 1yr before I ended up going back to it. Until my bil died and I smoked so much leading up to his funeral I gave myself tonsilitis. I realised I didn't enjoy smoking anymore and did a whole bunch of things to help me give up. 2yrs later I am still not smoking but I am not naive. The addiction hangs around and no pictures or warnings is even going to register in my head if I decided to have a smoke. For me its like being an alcoholic, I can never have even 1 smoke. I might like it and the cycle will start all over again.
(climbs off soap box)

[Hitcher]

I should have added *stress relief* to my earlier list of tobacco-related wonder drug achievements.

And I also admire greatly the devil-may-care behaviours that smokers exhibit. The joy with which they flick their used butts hither and yon. Hey, after all it's only a little butt and the great outdoors is like so really huge in comparison. Who gives a fuck? Non-smokers only complain about this because they're jealous. Losers!

And that really cool way smokers can inhale that lovely silky rich smoke and hold it in for ages before exhaling it alluringly through all of their major cranial orifices. This is a really useful skill to have should they wish to try other life-enhancing products, like marijuana or P.

[Varkp]

next they should be putting pictures on beer, cause beer has caused me to do the horizontal folk dance with ugly girls !!!!

[Swoop]

I should have added *stress relief* to my earlier list of tobacco-related wonder drug achievements.
You have neglected the very special skill of blowing "smoke rings".
There are some very talented people out there.

[Hitcher]

Some people also say that *kissing a smoker is like licking a dirty ashtray*.

That is just a malicious over-simplification. It should be noted that there are ashtrays and then there are ashtrays. Some can be really expensive and look absolutely gorgeous. Those German cut-crystal ones are just one example.

And not all ashtrays taste the same either. There's a big difference between low tar and menthol.

[Usarka]

damn those pics make me wanna start smoking!


addiction is just an excuse people use for doing dumb stuff....

[rickjames]

Some people also say that *kissing a smoker is like licking a dirty ashtray*.

That is just a malicious over-simplification. It should be noted that there are ashtrays and then there are ashtrays. Some can be really expensive and look absolutely gorgeous. Those German cut-crystal ones are just one example.

And not all ashtrays taste the same either. There's a big difference between low tar and menthol.

As a filthy smoker of the finest american toasted tobacco I dislike the taste/smell of smoke on a chic, but sometimes you put up with it.

[Disco Dan]

As a filthy smoker of the finest american toasted tobacco I dislike the taste/smell of smoke on a chic, but sometimes you put up with it.

I agree. Weird though. Cant stand the smell on my gf's clothes but mine stink of smoke after a day.



Now those pictures - Gangrene? Ok, did that guy not see his own foot for a few months then suddenly go "oh crap look at that, how unfortunate".

You would think in western society it would have been sorted well before that stage???? If not then the nob deserves it.

I very much doubt the photos were taken of New Zealand smokers. Some poor country somewhere where they resort to smoking each others toe-nail clippings or something equally nasty...

[ManDownUnder]

It won't make a blind bit of difference. For every offence - there's a defence.

The defence here is to:
1) Minimise your exposure to the warnings
2) Adopt the normal "It only happens to other people"
3) Get slowed used to the images to the point they are a curiousity rather than a frightener.

Take violence in movies as an example of the last point. It takes a lot more agreesion in the violence to have the same theatrical impact on an audience that it would have 50 years ago.

Waste of time. Outlaw the f'n things.

[Disco Dan]

Waste of time. Outlaw the f'n things.

Great idea.

Can you give up one of your fingers please in return? Sounds fair to me. :devil2:

[ManDownUnder]

Great idea.

Can you give up one of your fingers please in return? Sounds fair to me. :devil2:

I'll give smokers the finger any day...

edit - actually I take that back. I do realise smoking is something a lot of people get into for a variety of reasonably innocent reasons. I also know nicotine isn't something you just turn your back on... but... I'm also a fan of short term pain fro long term gain.

Get the withdrawls done, and out of the way then everyone starts to enjoy life and save money again... no?

How long does it take for you to smoke a $10,000 bike DD?

[Sidewinder]

nup because the ciggie is still the same so y would it worry me?

[moT]

smokeing is stupid! nothing good can come from it... All of the pros which suckers (smokes smoke the person sucks) say there are just seem to be the lazy way out.. Harden up and face reality

[Usarka]

those pictures arent so unlikely imho.

Go to any cancer ward and see the smokers puffing away outside with the thing that has likely caused it in the first place.....

all the while denying everything.

i cant stand the smell of fish on women....