Nicotine dependence occurs when you cannot stop using nicotine, the chemical in tobacco that makes it hard to quit. Smoking tobacco produces temporary pleasing effects in the brain, leading to a cycle of reaching for another cigarette to maintain those effects.
Over time, as you smoke more, you need increasing amounts of nicotine to feel good. Attempts to quit smoking result in unpleasant mental and physical changes known as nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Stopping smoking, regardless of how long you’ve smoked, can significantly improve your health. While it may not be easy, breaking your dependence on nicotine is possible with the help of effective treatments and support. Consult your doctor for assistance in quitting smoking.
Signs that you may be addicted to nicotine include:
If you’ve tried to stop smoking without success, know that you’re not alone. Most smokers make multiple attempts to quit before achieving long-term abstinence. To increase your chances of success, follow a treatment plan that addresses both the physical and behavioral aspects of nicotine dependence. Consider using medications and seeking help from a tobacco treatment specialist to quit smoking effectively.
Nicotine is the addictive chemical in tobacco that keeps you smoking. When you smoke, nicotine reaches your brain quickly and increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which cause feelings of pleasure and improved mood. As you smoke more, nicotine becomes ingrained in your daily routine and habits, making it difficult to quit.
Common situations that trigger the urge to smoke include drinking coffee, taking breaks at work, talking on the phone, drinking alcohol, driving, and spending time with friends. To overcome nicotine dependence, it’s essential to become aware of your triggers and develop a plan to deal with them.
Smoking tobacco exposes you to more than 60 known cancer-causing chemicals and thousands of other harmful substances. It can lead to a wide range of health problems, including:
The best way to prevent nicotine dependence is to not use tobacco in the first place. For parents, not smoking yourself and successfully quitting smoking can significantly reduce the likelihood of your children taking up smoking. Providing a smoke-free environment can help prevent nicotine dependence in others as well.
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Your doctor may ask you questions or have you fill out a questionnaire to see how dependent you are on nicotine. Knowing your degree of dependence will help your doctor determine the right treatment plan for you. The more cigarettes you smoke each day and the sooner you smoke after awakening, the more dependent you are.
Like most smokers, you’ve probably made at least one serious attempt to stop. But it’s rare to stop smoking on your first attempt — especially if you try to do it without help. You’re much more likely to be able to stop smoking if you use medications and counseling, which have both been proved effective, especially in combination.
Some quit-smoking products are known as nicotine replacement therapy because they contain varying amounts of nicotine. Some of these nicotine replacement therapies require a prescription, but others don’t. There are two approved quit-smoking medications that don’t contain nicotine, and both are available only by prescription.
Any of these products can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms — making it more likely that you’ll stop smoking for good. Using more than one may help you get better results.
Although you can buy some quit-smoking products without a prescription, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first. Together you can explore which products might be right for you, when to start taking them and possible side effects.
Medications help you cope by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while behavioral treatments help you develop the skills you need to give up tobacco for good. The more time you spend with a counselor, the better your treatment results will be.
During individual or group counseling, you learn techniques you can use to help you stop smoking. Many hospitals, health care plans, health care providers and employers offer treatment programs. Some medical centers provide residential treatment programs — the most intensive treatment available.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have not proved to be safe nor are they more effective in helping people stop smoking than nicotine replacement medications. In fact, many people who use e-cigarettes to stop smoking find themselves using both products rather than quitting.
It’s not a good idea to substitute another type of tobacco use for smoking. Tobacco in any form is not safe. Steer clear of these products:
Social support is key to achieving a stable and solid, smoke-free life. Ask your family, friends and co-workers for support and encouragement. Be direct and let them know what would help you most.
Also consider trying these resources:
You’re likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. Here’s some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
Being ready to answer questions your doctor may ask reserves time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Some questions your doctor may ask include:
