New research shows that so-called "light" cigarettes are just as addictive as cigarettes with more "tar" and nicotine, despite popular industry-fed myths to the contrary.

ABC News reported June 29 that a survey of 12,000 current and former smokers found that smokers of "light" cigarettes were less likely to quit than those who smoked regular cigarettes. Researchers speculated that "light" cigarette users were less motivated to quit because they believed their health risks were lower -- another myth debunked by research.

"There's so much confusion about cigarettes, the label speaks for itself," said lead researcher Hilary Tindle, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "'Light' is misinterpreted as being healthier."

In fact, Tindle said that part of the reason the tobacco industry introduced "light" cigarettes in the 1960s was to target smokers who otherwise might have considered quitting.