Plain Packaging Reduces Addictive Appeal of Cigarettes

A new study of cigarette packaging finds that the shape and decoration of the cigarette pack can be part of an addictive pattern. Standardized packaging can interrupt this part of the pattern. It has been found to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked by smokers, affecting both those who are trying to quit and those who intend to keep smoking. Importantly, the study suggests that plain packaging is more effective at interrupting the smoking impulse than packaging that contains colorful health warnings. James Gallagher reports on this study at BBC News:

Cigarette packet law 'would save lives'