Pharmacologic approaches to nicotine addiction

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

8-1-2004

Journal

Trauma

Volume

46

Issue

2

Abstract

Nicotine addiction is like other drug addictions in that it represents a medical illness, and responds well to medical interventions. Nicotine is widely used, and is associated with very high rates of dependence. Cigarettes are the primary form of nicotine delivery, and are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Cigarette smoking is the number one leading cause of preventable death in this country. There are a wide variety of pharmacologic treatments available that are effective, and well tolerated. Most smokers misunderstand the nature of addiction, and are unaware of how effective smoking cessation medications are. Physicians should ask their patients about tobacco use, strongly recommend cessation, and help patients utilize effective treatments.

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