How to Stop Nicotine Addiction Forever Immediately ?
Nicotine is the primary addictive substance found in tobacco products. It acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain and stimulates the release of dopamine, reinforcing repeated tobacco use and contributing to nicotine dependence. Over time, nicotine addiction can make quitting difficult, even when a person is aware of the harmful effects of tobacco. However, nicotine dependence is a treatable condition, and a combination of behavioural counselling and approved medications can significantly improve the chances of successfully quitting. [1]
Diagnosis
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), tobacco use disorder is diagnosed based on the following 11 criteria, of which at least two must be present within a 12-month period. At Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad, our mental health professionals use these evidence-based diagnostic criteria along with a comprehensive clinical assessment to evaluate nicotine dependence.
- Tobacco taken in larger amounts or over longer periods of time.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use.
- A great deal of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain or use tobacco.
- Craving or a strong desire or urge to use tobacco.
- Recurrent tobacco use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued tobacco use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by effects of tobacco.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of tobacco use.
- Recurrent tobacco use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Tobacco use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by tobacco.
- Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of tobacco to achieve the desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of tobacco.
- A need for markedly increased amounts of tobacco to achieve the desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of tobacco.
- A need for markedly increased amounts of tobacco to achieve the desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of tobacco.
- Withdrawal, As manifested by either of the following:
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for tobacco.
- Tobacco is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal syndrome.
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for tobacco.
- Tobacco is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal syndrome.
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for tobacco.
- Tobacco is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal syndrome.
- A need for markedly increased amounts of tobacco to achieve the desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of tobacco.
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for tobacco.
- Tobacco is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal syndrome.
- A need for markedly increased amounts of tobacco to achieve the desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of tobacco.
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for tobacco.
- Tobacco is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal syndrome.
Psychiatric Patients
Research shows that people with severe mental health conditions are more likely to smoke than the general population. Mental health professionals providing schizophrenia treatment in Hyderabad recognise that tobacco dependence is particularly common among individuals with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses, making smoking cessation an important part of comprehensive psychiatric care. [2]
Nicotine Withdrawal
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours after a person stops using tobacco. Symptoms are usually strongest during the first few days after quitting and gradually improve over the following weeks. [3]
Common withdrawal symptoms include strong cravings for tobacco, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, weight gain, and a slower heart rate. Although these symptoms can make quitting challenging, they are usually temporary and can be effectively managed with behavioural counselling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and other evidence-based treatments. If withdrawal symptoms become difficult to manage or repeated quit attempts are unsuccessful, seeking professional support from a de-addiction treatment centre in Hyderabad can improve the chances of long-term recovery. [3]
Treatment
Treatment options include three variables, which are as follow:
Counseling
5 "A" Approach to counseling that includes:
- Task about tobacco use
- Advise to quit through personalized messages
- Assess willingness to quit
- Assist with quitting
- Arrange follow up care and support
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
- Trans-dermal Nicotine Patch (for long term use)
- Nicotine Nasal Spray
- Nicotine Gum
- Sublingual Nicotine Tablet
- Nicotine Inhaler
Non-Nicotine Pharmacotherapy
BUPROPION: This has both dopaminergic and adrenergic actions. Started at 150mg/day for 3 days and increased to 150mg BID for 6-12 weeks.
NORTRIPTYLINE: Second-line drug.
CLONIDINE: Whether given as a patch or orally, 0.2 to 0.4mg/day appears to double quit rates.
VARENICLINE: Reduces craving for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
For availing the best services of de-addiction centres in Hyderabad, reach out to Jagruti Rehab centre and get rid of this toxic habit for a better lifestyle!
