Tobacco use disorder

Tobacco Use Disorder is a medical condition characterized by an individual's compulsive use of tobacco products, despite the negative health consequences. It is a form of substance use disorder, which is a group of conditions where an individual is dependent on a certain substance.

Definition

Tobacco Use Disorder is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a problematic pattern of tobacco use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. The diagnosis is made when at least two of the following criteria are met within a 12-month period:

• Tobacco is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control tobacco use.
• A great deal of time is spent in 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 the 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 a need for markedly increased amounts of tobacco to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of tobacco.
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for tobacco or tobacco (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Causes

The primary cause of Tobacco Use Disorder is the addictive nature of nicotine, the primary psychoactive ingredient in tobacco. Other factors that can contribute to the development of this disorder include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and psychological factors such as stress or depression.

Treatment

Treatment for Tobacco Use Disorder often involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapies. Medications such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral therapies can help individuals develop coping strategies to deal with triggers and prevent relapse.

See also

• Nicotine dependence
• Smoking cessation
• Health effects of tobacco

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