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Nicotine Addiction

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Definition

Nictotine addiction is when a person becomes dependent on nicotine. Being dependent means there is a physical change in how your body reacts to a substance. Your body will also have a reaction when you stop using the substance.

Nicotine can be found in tobacco products such as cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, cigars, or pipes. Tobacco use is also associated with several serious health conditions, such as:

Throat Cancer
Throat cancer
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Nicotine addition can be treated, often with a combination of treatments.

Causes

Nicotine acts on the brain's chemistry. It creates feelings of pleasure. However, the effects go away within a few minutes. Users will need to continue using nicotine to keep the good feelings going. This cycle can lead to addiction.

Risk Factors

Anyone who uses nicotine products can become addicted to the substance.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop when nicotine is not being used, also known as withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

  • Irritability
  • Craving
  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Thinking and attention problems
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increased appetite

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical and smoking history. A physical exam will be done.

Breathing tests may also be done to see how well your lungs are working.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment may involve one or more therapies. Options include:

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT relieves withdrawal symptoms. NRT products:

  • Nicotine gum
  • Lozenges
  • Nasal sprays
  • Patches
  • Inhalers

The chance of abusing these products is low since NRT does not create "feel good" feelings.

NRT may help you to:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Reduce the amount of tobacco you use
  • Quit and stay smoke-free

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapies include:

  • Counseling
  • Group behavior therapy
  • Telephone quit lines, cell phone programs, and text messaging programs
  • Internet and computer-based programs
  • Self-help classes and manuals
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

Medication

Some antidepressants and nicotine partial agonists may help you quit. Other medications may help ease withdrawal symptoms or block the effects of nicotine if you start smoking again.

Prevention

The best prevention is to never use tobacco products. Try to avoid places where people are smoking.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.

RESOURCES

  • American Cancer Society

    http://www.cancer.org

  • American Lung Association

    Freedom From Smoking

    http://www.ffsonline.org

  • Smokefree

    Telephone: 1-800-QUITNOW

    http://www.smokefree.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

  • Canadian Cancer Society

    http://www.cancer.ca

  • The Lung Association

    http://www.lung.ca

References

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