Tobacco Use Disorder

On this page

Tobacco Use Disorder - Puff Problems Primer

  • Definition: A DSM-5 diagnosis; problematic pattern of tobacco use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
  • Epidemiology: Major preventable cause of morbidity/mortality worldwide. High prevalence in India, especially smokeless tobacco. Initiation common in adolescence.
  • Neurobiology:
    • Nicotine: Key psychoactive, addictive substance.
    • Receptors: Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), primarily $\alpha4\beta2$ subtype in the ventral tegmental area (VTA).
    • Mechanism: Stimulates dopamine release in mesolimbic pathway (nucleus accumbens), reinforcing use.

⭐ Varenicline, a partial agonist at $\alpha4\beta2$ nAChRs, is a first-line pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Tobacco Use Disorder - Cravings & Criteria

  • Craving: Intense desire/urge for tobacco; key feature of withdrawal & relapse.
  • DSM-5 Criteria (≥2 in 12 months):
    • Larger amounts/longer period than intended
    • Persistent desire/unsuccessful efforts to cut down/control
    • Much time spent obtaining/using/recovering
    • Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use
    • Recurrent use → failure to fulfill major role obligations
    • Continued use despite social/interpersonal problems
    • Important activities given up/reduced
    • Recurrent use in hazardous situations
    • Use continued despite knowledge of physical/psychological problem
    • Tolerance (need for ↑ amounts; ↓ effect with same amount)
    • Withdrawal (characteristic syndrome; substance taken to relieve/avoid)

⭐ Nicotine acts on nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs), especially α4β2, in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), leading to dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, reinforcing its use.

Tobacco Use Disorder - Systemic Smoke Signals

  • Cardiovascular: ↑Risk of Myocardial Infarction (MI), stroke, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), hypertension. Strong association with Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans).
  • Respiratory: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), lung cancer, asthma exacerbation, ↑pneumonia risk.
  • Oncogenic: Major risk for multiple cancers: lung, oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney, cervix, acute myeloid leukemia.
  • Gastrointestinal: Peptic ulcer disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
  • Reproductive & Perinatal: ↓Fertility, ectopic pregnancy, Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), preterm birth, stillbirth, ↑Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk.
  • Other Systems: Osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired wound healing, premature skin aging, periodontitis, ↑cataract risk, rheumatoid arthritis.

⭐ Tobacco smoke contains over 70 identified human carcinogens, significantly increasing the risk for a wide range of malignancies throughout the body.

Tobacco Use Disorder - Freedom Formulations

Pharmacotherapy Goal: Reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse. Always combine with behavioral support.

1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

  • Delivers nicotine, reduces withdrawal from tobacco toxins.
  • Forms & Key Dosing (typical):
    • Gum: 2mg (<25 cigs/day), 4mg (≥25 cigs/day). Max 24 pieces/day. "Chew & park" technique.
    • Patch: 21mg/14mg/7mg step-down regimen (8-12 weeks).
    • Lozenge: 1mg/2mg/4mg (dosed by time to first cigarette).
    • Inhaler: Mimics hand-to-mouth behavior.
    • Nasal Spray: Fastest NRT onset; highest dependence potential among NRTs.
  • Common Side Effects: Local irritation (patch, spray), dyspepsia (gum, lozenge), hiccups.

2. Non-NRT Medications

  • Bupropion SR (Sustained Release)
    • Atypical antidepressant (NDRI). Start 1-2 weeks before quit date.
    • Dose: 150mg OD for 3 days, then 150mg BD. Duration: 7-12 weeks.
    • Contraindications: Seizure disorder, current/prior bulimia or anorexia nervosa, MAOI use within 14 days.
  • Varenicline
    • Partial agonist at α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Start 1 week before quit date.
    • Dose: Titrate from 0.5mg OD to 1mg BD. Duration: 12 weeks (can be extended).
    • Common Side Effects: Nausea (most common, take with food), insomnia, abnormal dreams.

    ⭐ Varenicline is generally considered the most effective single pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.

3. Combination Therapy

  • Often ↑ efficacy, especially for high nicotine dependence.
    • NRT Patch (long-acting) + Short-acting NRT (e.g., gum, lozenge).
    • Bupropion SR + NRT Patch.

Flowchart: Overview of Treatment Modalities

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Nicotine, acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), is the primary addictive substance in tobacco.
  • Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 1-4 days and include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite.
  • First-line pharmacotherapies include Varenicline, Bupropion, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
  • Major long-term health consequences are COPD, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence is a standard tool for assessing dependence severity.
  • Smoking cessation counseling often utilizes the 5 A's model: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange.

Practice Questions: Tobacco Use Disorder

Test your understanding with these related questions

Transdermal patch is not used for the following drug?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Tobacco Use Disorder

1/10

Neuro/Psych_____, secondary to alcohol withdrawal, typically occurs after 48 - 96 hours

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Neuro/Psych_____, secondary to alcohol withdrawal, typically occurs after 48 - 96 hours

Delirium tremens

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial