Encourage psychiatrists to become more involved in treatment, prevention, research and advocacy activities concerning nicotine dependence and tobacco use.
Tobacco use is the largest and most preventable cause of mortality in the United States.
According to the U.S. Office on Smoking and Health, smoking causes more than 430,000 premature deaths annually among U.S. smokers alone, with minority and low income populations at special risk. In addition, according to the U.S. Surgeon General, over 50,000 deaths per year among U.S. nonsmokers are associated with environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Nicotine dependence and withdrawal can influence the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Smoking decreases blood levels of several medications. Furthermore, nicotine withdrawal may worsen the symptoms of other psychiatric disorders in some patients.