What’s New In Tobacco Addiction

Tobacco is not only a highly addictive substance but also one of killer drug substances. It is though one of the most widely abused substance in the world to date. Tobacco is one of drugs of the kind that makes the users keep saying “if I wanted today I can quit smoking this thing” but the truth is that quitting smoking tobacco naturally is not that easy. Nicotine which is a compound found in the tobacco is the chemical responsible for this addiction. This chemical causes a rush of adrenaline when absorbed into the bloodstreams or when inhaled through cigarette’s smoke. This chemical also initiates an increase in dopamine, nicknamed as “brain’s happy” chemical. This chemical consequently stimulates the brain areas which are normally associated with pleasure and reward. Just like with any other drug, the prolonged usage of tobacco can cause a physical and psychological addiction. This is not only applicable for smoky tobacco but also the case with the smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chewing ones.

What Are The Symptoms Of Addiction From Tobacco?

Unlike the addicts from the other forms of drugs, addiction from tobacco is very easy to spot. This is because tobacco is legal in many countries in the world. This factor makes it readily available and hence easy to acquire and can be consumed even in public. The smell of the tobacco makes it impossible for the addicts/ user to hide. It is very distinct from the other smells and it follows the smokers everywhere they go.

Some users of tobacco do not do it regularly, but for the addicts it has to be regular. How then do we notice an addicted person?

• The person cannot stop smoking or chewing despite many attempts to stop. The person will continue to take the drug even though it has a negative effect to his body.
• After every meal, the person must smoke or chew or after long time of not taking it. The addicted person will always want to take the drug and therefore after taking time without taking the drug e.g. while eating, after the activity the person will be seen smoking.
• If the person attempts to quit taking tobacco, there will be withdrawal symptoms such as shaking hands, sweating, rise in heart beat or even irritation.
• The person seems not to be at ease when he/ she has not smoked, and for the person to feel comfortable especially when the person is stressed must take tobacco.
• The person will always attempt to dodge activities which are to take place which tobacco use in not allowed.
• Another way of noticing a tobacco addict is that, the person will continue to take tobacco even when it causes him/her health problems.
• The person will depict intense craving for tobacco and can afford to lose anything to get tobacco. If such a person doesn’t have money to purchase the tobacco substance can end up in pretty crimes seeking money to buy tobacco.

Can Tobacco Addiction Be Treated?

Addiction from tobacco can sometimes prove difficult to manage, despite a wide range of treatment methods available for the treatment of tobacco addiction. The main problem here becomes the relapse, which is mainly caused by craving the ritual of smoking. The process of recovery from this kind of addiction is never smooth, and unless the addict is devoted, relapse will be most likely.

Let’s look at some of the methods through which tobacco addiction can be treated:-

• The patch

This method of treatment of tobacco addiction is also known as a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). It uses the principle of gradual transition from drugs, by ensuring that the addict doesn’t withdraw from the drugs abruptly but slowly. It therefore gives the addict a small level of nicotine to wean the body gradually.

• The nicotine Gum

This is another form of NRT, which helps the addicts which have a habit of chewing and thus a need for oral fixation. The gum which is given to the recovering addict supplies a low level nicotine to ensure gradual transition of the addict from tobacco.

• Inhalers and spray

This is another form of NRT also and involves supplying low level nicotine through spraying the nicotine sprays into the nose of the addict which is then inhaled to the lungs.

• Medication

The other way of treating tobacco addiction is by the medical way. These are medications which are given by doctors once the addict visits health centers. Certain antidepressants or high blood pressure drugs are known to help in the treatment of addiction.

• Therapeutic treatments

This involves use of psychological and behavioral treatment techniques. This involves activities which try to change the addict’s way in which they think about addiction and working to alter the feelings or behaviors the brain associates with tobacco use.

Despite having all these options in the treatment of tobacco addiction, it is important to note that some options will work well for some people and not to the others. It is therefore important to discuss the treatment method you choose with your doctor and keep in touch with the doctor to be able to track your progress and determine the progress.

Tobacco Addiction: Helping Your Patient from “I do” to “I don’t”

Related articles

• The Myths About Hookah
• Quitting Smoking
• Combining Varenicline With Nicotine Patches Improves Smoking Cessation Rates
• Believe It or Not, Big Tobacco May Help Make Anti-Addiction Drugs
• Why Mentally Ill People Should Have Access to E-Cigarettes
• Day 17