What is stopping you from quitting?

A new advertising campaign targeted at 25 to 44 year-olds, is seeking the further reduce Queensland’s smoking rates. 
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the $1.65 million campaign would tell smokers the rest of Queensland has quit and ‘it’s time you did too’.
“These ads send an emotional message rather than using graphic images to shock smokers into quitting,” Mr Springbord said.
“They show how smoking can mean missing out on an event and how it can affect your family.
“Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and illness in Queensland, with half of all long-term smokers dying prematurely.
“It is devastating for individuals and families, and an unnecessary burden on our public health system.
“Every year in Queensland an estimated $6.1 billion in health costs, lost productivity and premature death can be attributed to tobacco smoking.”
Mr Springborg said smokers needed strong motivation to quit.
“They know the habit is bad for them but the addiction is hard to kick. Quitting requires people to kick the routine, develop a plan, set a quit date and quit the excuses,” he said.
“The government is committed to encouraging and supporting Queenslanders to quit smoking.
“Significant strategic action on tobacco control has been taken over the past two decades, resulting in reduced smoking rates and improved health.
“The effect of no-smoking laws, quit smoking campaigns and disease prevention messages are making a difference as Queensland gradually becomes more smoke-free.
“Today, there are 10,000 fewer smokers each year in Queensland.”
Using the 70s hit, All by myself, the campaign will pull at the heart strings of smokers.
“We hope this campaign challenges smokers to think about the choices they have and seek help available to them,” Mr Springborg said.
If you’re thinking about quitting, phone the Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848) because you don’t have to do it alone.
View the campaign at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZdfpCwPyWU