Find Out How You Can Overcome Tobacco Addiction

Tobacco addiction is a mental health condition that is characterised by difficulty in controlling tobacco use, even if it is causing significant problems in your life. In this disorder, the reward center of the brain becomes dependent on nicotine for normal functioning. Without it, you may go through withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, tremors, and so on.

Tobacco addiction is one of the world's leading disorders. Regardless of how long you've used tobacco, stopping can improve your health and overall well-being. Remember, we are here to help.

Tobacco is a substance that is derived by processing certain plants, and nicotine is one of the chemicals that is found in this substance. Nicotine, along with other harmful chemicals found in tobacco, is what makes it so addictive.

Tobacco addiction can be caused by several factors, such as:

Genetics: This mental health concern can be passed through genes, that is, it can be passed between generations.

Trauma: Traumatic events can cause people to suffer from tobacco addiction. People might start using tobacco addiction as a way to cope with the trauma.

Mental health conditions: Certain mental health concerns like depression & anxiety can also increase the risk of tobacco addiction.

Social factors: Social factors like culture, peers, family support, etc. can increase the risk of tobacco addiction.

An individual must have at least 2 of the following in a period of at least 12 months in order to be diagnosed with tobacco addiction, or tobacco use disorder:

• Tobacco usage keeps gradually increasing.

• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit.

• A lot of effort is put into obtaining or using tobacco.

• There are strong cravings or desire to use tobacco.

• Tobacco usage causes difficulty in performing at work, school or home.

• Continued tobacco use despite consequences and health risks.

• Impaired control of how much tobacco one wants to use.

• Physical and mental difficulties when not taking the desired amount of tobacco.

• Using tobacco to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

When a person consumes tobacco regularly, their body becomes used to the chemicals and becomes dependent on it. So, when the individual stops taking tobacco, it can cause some uncomfortable symptoms, which is known as withdrawal. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Strong cravings or desire to smoke, which can range from mild to overwhelming

• Feeling irritable, upset, and restless

• Having trouble focusing

• Finding it difficult to fall asleep

• Feeling hungry or gaining weight

• Feeling sad or anxious

Tobacco has many different chemicals within it. Some of these chemicals, like nicotine, give it its addictive qualities. Nicotine is a highly potent stimulant, which is a neurochemical that results in the addictive effect of tobacco. When a person consumes or smokes tobacco, it makes its way into the brain. A neurotransmitter called dopamine is released - which is often called the 'happy hormone'. As you continue using tobacco, the body starts craving this dopamine release which results in addiction.

Quitting tobacco often involves a combination of different strategies, starting with setting a quit date, seeking professional support (counselling/therapy), using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications, identifying and working on managing triggers, and developing healthy coping mechanisms for cravings and stress.

Yes, for many people, the brain can largely recover from the effects of nicotine. Over time, after quitting, the number of nicotine receptors in the brain can return to normal. The intensity and frequency of cravings tend to decrease and eventually fade away, improving cognitive functions.

The most effective treatment for tobacco addiction often combines behavioural counselling (like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. This approach increases the chances of quitting compared to using each method alone.

Common medications used to stop tobacco addiction include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in various forms (patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, nasal sprays), and prescription medications like Bupropion (Zyban/Wellbutrin) and Varenicline (Champix/Chantix). Medications are only to be taken upon consulting with a psychiatrist.