World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE (AN OVERVIEW OF TOBACCO CESSATION)

*Dr. Sudeep C.B.

ABSTRACT

Dependence on any psychoactive substance is a chronic disorder, characterized by a loss of control over its use, by a compulsive desire to consume it, and a relative inability to go without it. Tobacco smoke correspondingly contains thousands of compounds, many of which may contribute to the establishment or maintenance of tobacco dependence. Of these compounds, nicotine is the constituent of tobacco that is most incriminated for its addictive potential. Tobacco dependence is not only characterized by the adverse effects of nicotine- the expectation of both pleasure and psychological relief, but also by the withdrawal syndrome when smoking is stopped. Modern approaches to treating tobacco use and dependence should reflect the chronic nature of tobacco dependence. Health care organizations now provide structured smoking cessation services, recognizing the value of this health maintenance intervention. Effective interventions exist that can produce long-term cessation at up to double the rate achieved by smokers without treatment. It is important for clinicians to know that assessing and treating tobacco use generally leads to greater patient satisfaction with health care, members of the dental profession also have a unique opportunity to influence tobacco use by their patients.

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