Addiction to nicotine can alter a person’s health in both the long and short term. A habit can quickly become an addiction as it may develop into dependence on the drug for stimulant and sedative effects. Treatment of nicotine addiction can help a person recover health over time. Explore some of the types of nicotine addiction treatment and how to seek help.
How Addiction Happens
If a person uses nicotine for the rush, peak in motivation and feelings of pleasure, then that person may be considered addicted to nicotine. Nicotine causes stimulation of the adrenal glands which results in a discharge of epinephrine. Continuous exposure to nicotine results in development of tolerance and a person will need to consume more nicotine in order for the drug to produce the same effect. Signs of addiction may include:
- Continued use of the drug in spite of negative consequences
- Continued use of the drug over time
- Experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms
- Giving up recreational or social activities to smoke
- Smoking in spite of health problems
- Smoking when sick
- Smoking several cigarettes or packs a day
- Tried to quit but could not
Treating Addiction to Nicotine
Medical professionals treat nicotine addiction using a combination of psychological and pharmaceutical therapies. A combination of following treatments can help:
- Pharmaceutical treatment for addiction: multiple medications may be prescribed to help quit which do not contain nicotine. This may include bupropion, which helps decrease cravings for nicotine and help cope with depression and withdrawal
- Counseling treatments: dependence addresses the reasons behind nicotine use and offers solutions. Nicotine dependence counseling combined with replacement therapy is recommended by doctors to treat addictive properties of nicotine.
- Telephone counseling support services which provide friendly programs to stop smoking
- Nicotine replacement therapy which helps individuals who smoke half a pack of cigarettes a day or more. Nicotine replacement products do not contain toxins found in smoke and come in forms such as skin patches, inhalers, nasal sprays and gums.
- Nicotine addiction support groups can provide great benefits when combined with nicotine replacement therapy. If a person decides to join a support group, the family and friends should know to help keep focused on intentions to quit
- Quit smoking classes, designed to acknowledge the issues and provide tips and tools for quitting
Cypress Lakes provides a place to heal from addiction. If you are struggling to cope with addiction and need help, we offer programs and services in a serene setting in East Texas where you can get away and work on yourself. Call us at 866-217-2636 for more information.
