Method of overcoming substance abuse

• US 5,759,042 A
• Filed: 03/01/1996
• Issued: 06/02/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eugene J. Laka
• Original Assignee: Eugene J. Laka
• Inventors: Laka, Eugene J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirsch, Paul J.
• Application Number:
  US08/609,463
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 40/638, 40/310, 434/236, 434/238, 434/237, 131/270
• US Class Current: 434/236
• CPC Class Codes: A24F 47/00 Smokers' requisites not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/02 Labels
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/10 by an adhesive layer

Abstract

A method involving the application of two labels containing respective positive and negative messages to a container having an addictive substance therewithin to empower and inspire fear of the addictive substance and to encourage the substance abuser from further substance abuse. The labels may be applied by the substance abuser or by individuals associated with the substance abuser to containers of the addictive substance in the abuser'"'"'s possession. Upon each use of the addictive substance, positive and negative messages are conveyed to the user to assist the user in gradually eliminating their dependence on the addictive substance.

Claims

1. A method of providing a strong motivational anti-smoking message to a smoker, comprising the steps of:

a. permanently affixing a first type of label to a first side of a plurality of packages containing a smoker'"'"'s tobacco product to convey a first cumulative anti-smoking message to said smoker;

b. permanently affixing a plurality of a second type of label to a second side of said plurality of packages to convey a second cumulative anti-smoking message to said smoker; and

c. repeating steps (a) and (b) over a plurality of weeks to provide a positive, cumulative and empowering anti-smoking message to said smoker upon each act of withdrawing a tobacco product from said plurality of packages.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the steps of affixing said labels to said packages does not directly intrude on the use of said tobacco products by said user.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said first type of label conveys a graphical message that inspires fear of said cigarettes in said smoker.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said second type of label positively encourages and motivates the smoker to quit smoking in words alone.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said first type of label comprises a skull and cross-bones arrangement.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said smoker'"'"'s tobacco product is selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said tobacco product is not transferred to another package prior to said affixing steps.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of maintaining the tobacco product in its original packaging until used by said smoker.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said first and second types of labels are applied to all packages containing a smoker'"'"'s tobacco product in said smoker'"'"'s possession.

10. A method of overcoming addictive substance abuse, comprising the steps of:

a. creating a plurality of labels each depicting a message to empower and inhibit a substance abuser from further substance abuse;

b. providing said plurality of labels to an individual for application to containers of said addictive substance; and

c. affixing said labels to containers of said addictive substance in the substance abuser'"'"'s possession to relay said message to said substance abuser upon each act of substance abuse.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said plurality of labels comprises a first set of labels for conveying a negative perception of said addictive substance, and a second set of labels for conveying a positive message to said substance abuser to motivate and encourage the abuser to avoid further substance abuse.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of maintaining the addictive substance product in its original packaging until used by said substance abuser.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein said labels are affixed to all containers of said addictive substance in the substance abuser'"'"'s possession.

14. A method of assisting an individual from abusing an addictive substance, comprising the steps of:

providing a first message to said individual inspiring fear of said addictive substance upon handling a container of said addictive substance; and

providing a second message to said individual positively encouraging the individual to quit further abuse of said addictive substance upon handling said container of said addictive substance.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of applying labels containing said first and second messages to all containers of said addictive substance in the individual'"'"'s possession.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of applying labels containing said first and second messages to containers of said addictive substance utilized by the individual addicted to said addictive substance.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of avoiding physical intrusion on the use of the addictive substance by the individual.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of repeatedly applying labels containing said first and second messages to containers of said addictive substance utilized by said individual to provide an unrelenting substance avoidance message to said individual.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of repeatedly applying labels is carried-out over the course of at least several weeks.