Smoking cessation and treatment of tobacco dependence
Tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive drug on par with heroin and cocaine. The primary purpose of smoking tobacco is to deliver a dose of nicotine rapidly to the brain. Nicotine dependence and withdrawal, which may develop with the use of all forms of tobacco, are identified by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems as a disease under 'Toxic effect of other and unspecified substances'. Read about the neuroscience of psychoactive substance use and dependence.
If you work en the tobacco dependence field, you can read more about the efficacy, safety, demographics and health effects,
health economics, and related policies of nicotine dependence
treatments. Consult the database and educational resources for
treatment of tobacco dependence.
An individual approach
(behavioral and/or pharmacological interventions) to treatment of
tobacco dependence must be complemented with a supportive environment
to encourage tobacco consumers in their attempts to quit. Treatment of
tobacco dependence should be part of a comprehensive tobacco control
strategy along with measures such as taxation and price policies,
advertising restrictions, dissemination of information and
establishment of smoke-free public places. Read about WHO´s policy
recommendations for smoking cessation and treatment of tobacco
dependence.
Links
There are many helpful on-line resources available to help you quit
smoking. PAHO does not officially endorse any of these resources, but
we provide some links here for your convenience. For other resources,
we suggest that you contact your local cancer society, lung association
or heart foundation, who may run free programs. You can consult your
doctor, public health worker or pharmacist for advice and referrals.
Do you want to quit smoking?
Please click on the following links to access useful information on how to quit smoking
General Guidelines for Cessation Programs
Please click on the following links to access useful information on smoking cessation programs.
Guidelines for Health Professionals
Please click on the following links to access useful information on how to help your patients quit smoking.