Stop Smoking Advertisements, Do They Work?}

Every year, a ridiculous amount of money is spent on anti-smoking adverts. There are many companies and organizations that are committed to getting people to quit. The thought is often that when an advert is over the top and disguising or shocking, it will be effective. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

People that smoke may do so for many different reasons. Because of this, there are just as many different ways and triggers that will get a person to quit. Smoking is a very individual thing and in most cases the individual has to want to quit. There has to be a specific reason such as a commitment to a family member or finding out that one is suffering health problems as a result of the smoking.

In The Ashtray Blog, there is an article that highlights some of the most shocking and disturbing anti-smoking adverts. http://www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk/ashtray-blog/2011/08/most-shocking-anti-smoking-ads-why-they-do-not-work.html. These ads are meant to shock the people who see them. The hope is that the image is so disturbing, raw, or even erotic that the smoker who views them immediately realizes how wrong it is to smoke and will immediately quit.

Pulling at the heart-strings of individuals is often a tactic used in such adverts. The use of children is a common theme that is seen here. Whether it is an unborn child or a youngster shown smoking, these images are meant to make one stop and think about the effect that smoking is having on other people, especially those that are defenseless.

Unfortunately, these adverts do not work. They may be repulsive and shocking, however that is it. Smoking is a very complex thing. The individual who smokes may do so for a number of reasons. It may be a social thing or may be used as a release or done when one is very stressed.

There is also the chemical side of smoking. Smoking is addictive, so when a person quits there is often a period where he needs to slowly rid his body of these chemicals and toxins. Seeing an advert will not help with this. Products such as the UK electronic cigarette may well be a positive move forward.

People make the decision to smoke. It is an individual choice, and because of this is, it is also a decision to quit. Many people try to stop several times, however are unsuccessful. When it does work is when it is right for the individual and he is truly committed to the process and ending the bad habit. An advert will not help.