Way2Quit.com Launches Entertaining Short Films to Educate Smokers on Their Addiction

Way2Quit.com Launches Entertaining Short Films to Educate Smokers on Their Addiction

Smokers invited to submit mini-films capturing the challenges they face when

trying to quit

Entertaining short films depicting how intense cravings can get the best of smokers are now available on Way2Quit.com to help explain the nature of addiction by illustrating the agitation smokers may experience when they crave a cigarette, agitation that can feel like a "beast" in their brain. New research shows these cravings are directly related to lapses in smokers trying to quit, and, if left untreated, can cause a lapse in as quickly as 10-15 minutes.

WHY: Every smoker has certain times when they automatically reach for a cigarette -- those situations or feelings that trigger smoking. Frequent smoking in the same circumstances -- like while driving, drinking coffee, or talking on the phone -- train a smoker's brain to expect nicotine during that activity. Experts call this the "situational craving," and research shows it's responsible for the majority of smoking lapses. A recent survey found 87 percent of smokers who quit smoking report starting smoking again because of everyday situational cravings. In the same survey smokers report using a variety of unusual methods to get through cravings without smoking a cigarette, including sitting on hands, holding their breath until it hurts and singing familiar songs out loud!

Because smokers trying to quit often go to great lengths to avoid cravings and withdrawal symptoms from smoking, Way2Quit.com announces a call for entries to capture the reality of how a smoker tames cravings during a quit smoking attempt!

WHAT: Call for Entries. The call for entries is designed to hear from smokers about the reality of a quit smoking attempt. Smokers and/or their friends and loved ones are invited to submit short videos which demonstrate the intensity of nicotine addiction and illustrate how difficult situational cravings can be for smokers trying to quit, and more importantly, what is being done to tame these beastly cravings!

Some videos may be selected to appear on Way2Quit.com. All entrants will receive a small gift for submitting a film.

WHO: Smokers and former smokers (and their friends/loved ones)

WHEN: December 7 - January 15, a time when smokers are more likely to quit

ENTRIES: Films should be 1:00 minute in length or less, in MPEG format. All entries become property of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. For complete rules and regulations, e-mail beastfilms@golinharris.com or go to the mini-films now at Way2Quit.com.

BACKGROUND: Way2Quit.com is a comprehensive resource designed to help smokers understand the true nature of nicotine addiction and what it really takes to "kick the habit" and introduces creative ways to help educate smokers about their addiction. The Web site enables smokers to learn more about their readiness to quit by completing various assessment tools online. The assessment covers such topics as health risks, cravings, smoking triggers, dependency and more. The site also includes helpful tips, quitting resources and virtual coaches.

CONTACT: For interviews with company representatives or for more information please contact April Kusper, 312.729.4402, akusper@golinharris.com .

PRNewswire -- Dec. 7
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Source: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

Web site: http://www.way2quit.com/

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