Best Treatment for Tobacco Addiction

Tobacco Addiction

Tobacco contains nicotine, a chemical that causes a rush of adrenaline when absorbed in the bloodstream or inhaled via cigarette smoke. It also triggers the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that increases pleasure and satisfaction.

When tobacco is used in large amounts, the body develops a tolerance for nicotine, which means it takes more and more to feel the same effects. This can lead to addiction.

symptoms of nicotine and Tobacco Addiction

• People who smoke often develop nicotine addiction, also known as tobacco dependence.
• It can happen to anyone who uses tobacco, but it is more common among those who start smoking early in life.
• Symptoms include cravings, feeling a need to smoke, and withdrawal symptoms when you stop using.
• These can be physical or emotional, and they can last weeks to months.
• These withdrawal symptoms can be very strong when you first quit smoking, but they will get better as you go along.
• It can help to find something that distracts you from your urge to smoke, such as reading a book or going for a walk.

treatment of Tobacco Addiction

The best treatment for Tobacco Addiction is a combination of behavioral counseling and FDA-approved pharmacotherapies such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, varenicline, or bupropion.

These therapies are effective when used alone or in combination and can more than double the chances of quitting.

NRTs such as patches, gum, and lozenges safely relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings and can reduce the desire to smoke.

Varenicline, an antidepressant that works by changing the way your brain processes feel-good chemicals, and bupropion, an antidepressant that works by blocking nicotinic receptors, work well with NRTs.

NRTs are meant to be used for a limited time and should be tapered down before use is stopped. Extending NRT use beyond the recommended time can increase the risk of relapse.

Medications

• Nicotine addiction is a complex disorder that involves both chemical and psychological dependence.
• Medications can help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Over-the-counter medications, such as nicotine gums, lozenges, and patches, can help you quit smoking by reducing cravings and the urge to smoke.
• Antidepressants, such as bupropion (brand names Wellbutrin and Zyban), may also help you stop by altering your brain’s response to feel-good chemicals like dopamine.
• Tobacco use increases your risk of a number of life-threatening illnesses and diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and certain types of arthritis.
• Quitting tobacco can significantly lower these risks and improve your health.

Psychological and behavioral treatments

• Nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug that can quickly cause irritability, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms when used in large doses.
• It also affects the brain’s reward circuits, causing mood and behavior changes that can lead to addiction.
• Tobacco addiction can be treated by a variety of methods, including counseling and medications.
• The goal is to help you overcome your cigarette cravings and stay tobacco-free.
• Behavioral counseling helps you understand why you use tobacco and what makes it difficult to quit.
• It can also teach you problem-solving skills and social support to keep you from relapsing.

Psychosocial treatment, including motivational interviewing and mindfulness training, can help you figure out why you want to stop and what you can do about it. These techniques can also reduce relapse-related thoughts and feelings.

conclusion

Tobacco smoking is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide. More than a billion people smoke and without major increases in cessation, at least half will die prematurely from tobacco-related complications.

Nicotine is an addictive compound found in cigarette smoke. It quickly enters the bloodstream from a single inhalation and binds to nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) in the brain and other tissues.

Addiction to nicotine develops when a person becomes dependent on cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products that contain nicotine.

despite the known harms associated with smoking. Symptoms of dependence may include withdrawal, manifesting as either of the following:

Smoking is very addictive and can lead to serious health problems if it is not stopped. Tobacco-related cancer, respiratory diseases, and heart disease are the most common health problems linked with tobacco use.

resources and references: FamilyDoctor, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.