While prevention of smoking initiation should be the focus of treating nicotine dependence, behavioral and pharmacological treatments developed in recent years have proven to be effective. Nicotine substitutes in the form of nicotine gum and patches are used to gradually reduce nicotine exposure, avoiding the symptoms of withdrawal while eliminating exposure to other toxic substances found in cigarette smoke. Recently, studies have shown that medications previously used for the treatment of depression also have shown good results when used for smoking cessation. These medications have not been studied adequately in patients younger than 18 years and are not approved for use in pediatric patients. Because of the highly addictive nature of nicotine, smoking cessation is not a matter of choice for most users.
Tobacco is addictive physiologically and psychologically and is reinforced socially.
No amount of tobacco use has been proven to be safe. Because of the highly addictive nature of nicotine, smoking a few cigarettes in adolescence increases probability of nicotine dependence and is associated with a marked increase in incidence of adult smoking. A review of the evidence. Stages in the development of adolescent smoking. Medicine is a constantly changing science and not all therapies are clearly established.