Scientists have discovered links between early tobacco use and other youth problem behavior. The tobacco company scientists found out that the chemicals in tobacco tweak the same brain circuits as cocaine, heroin, and other highly addictive and dangerous drugs—and this effect is worst for teens. Just look what a difference never smoking could do to the lives of young people. This chart shows links between tobacco and special challenges to community health and safety. Imagine the impact on communities if kids never smoked.

All of us can help prevent kids from developing a tobacco habit by making it a big hassle to get it. If kids can’t easily buy packs of cigarettes or other tobacco, they can’t as easily develop a tobacco addiction—which helps community safety and public health. If the youth problems related to tobacco addiction go down, taxpayers save money, and kids have better lives. (more…)

The Science behind Reward & Reminder™
Reward & Reminder™ was originally tested under the auspices of a National Cancer Institute project in Oregon, where it was successful. In 2000, PAXIS Institute applied the Reward & Reminder™ strategy to Wyoming, bringing its illegal sales of tobacco to minors from a dangerously high 55% to record lows hovering around 9% for four years in a row. In 2002, Reward & Reminder™ was implemented in Wisconsin resulting in an all time low of just under 8% noncompliance.