There has been so much attention lately on quitting smoking, that many lifelong smokers are now wondering if they should give up the habit themselves. We have become a society that is largely intolerant of smoking, and that has begun to push some smokers to consider quitting.
Many areas of the country have gone smoke-free, banning smoking in public places. Other areas continue to increase cigarette taxes, putting an even greater financial consequence on an already expensive habit. The new warning labels that are required for all cigarette packages are an even more drastic way to turn people in this country against smoking, and some people think it is going too far.
In Favor of the Cigarette Labels
Smoking used to be socially acceptable, and no one thought twice of lighting up. Today, we know much more about the dangers of smoking, and instead of wanting cigarette companies to gain more customers, we want to save lives by getting people to quit.
The FDA has taken steps to warn people of the dangers of smoking with their mandatory labels. The labels picture graphic images of the consequences of smoking, such as rotting teeth, a tracheotomy hole, and lung cancer. “We want to make a difference and help people who are smoking stop smoking and discourage people who haven’t taken up the habit yet,” FDA commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg said. Joy Schmitz, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas medical school in Houston agrees with the mandatory labels, “It might give [people] pause for concern or contemplation as to their choice of smoking when they see the pretty dramatic scene on the packages,” Schmitz said. (1)
Against the Labels
Other people do not appreciate the extreme graphics on the labels. “The point of putting these pictures is the shock value and research tells us shock value on its own rarely works,” said Timothy Edgar, associate professor and graduate program director of health communication at Emerson College in Boston. (1)
For those who really want to quit, it may take more than an ugly picture to help them succeed. “Simply showing someone that there is a severe outcome or they’re personally responsible is not enough. They need to know there’s something they can do about it,” said Edgar. (1)
Helping People Quit
There are many smokers who want to quit, who realize the financial toll the habit is taking on their lives, and the danger it is putting them in. But smoking is so addicting, it is not easy to quit. In fact, most of us probably know someone who has tried to quit and failed. It might be that these individuals need professional help. Many people wouldn’t think quitting smoking would warrant a 12 step program or support groups. But for those serious about quitting because they are heeding the health warnings, professional treatment might be helpful.
Sources
(1) FDA Cigarette Warning Labels Include Tracheotomy Hole and Rotting Teeth
Will graphic new cigarette warnings scare people into quitting?