Overcome your challenges with nicotine and tobacco

Tobacco use disorder is a chronic medical condition characterized by an inability to control or stop using tobacco products which contain the highly addictive chemical nicotine, despite negative consequences, such as problems with health and in areas of typical life.

Signs of a disorder may include cravings, loss of control, increased tolerance to nicotine, physical dependence, and continued use despite harm.

Healthcare professionals typically use criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for diagnosing. Criteria includes signs and symptoms of disordered tobacco use, including physical, psychological, and social behaviors.

The development of tobacco use disorder is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and it can be very difficult to stop using nicotine once regular use has begun. It is not a condition of character or about willpower.

Yes, tobacco use disorder is treatable. Treatment often involves a combination of evidence-based therapies, medications, and support groups, including peer-support.

Treatment options include counseling, (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or “CBT”), other behavioral therapies, medications, and support groups. There are also apps, like the Anonymous Health app, that allow you to learn and practice tools and techniques to support your recovery. These kinds of applications, when combined with one-to-one therapy (“computer assisted therapy”), can yield significantly improved success rates relative to therapy alone.

There are medications that medical professionals can prescribe to help aid recovery from nicotine dependence such as Zyban and Chantix. These medications may help to reduce physical cravings for nicotine and help with withdraw symptoms.

The duration of treatment varies based on a person’s own needs. Some may require short-term interventions, while others may benefit from longer-term support.

Harm reduction is the principle of reducing the harmful physical effects of addictive behaviors. Regarding nicotine, using non-tobacco products has been shown to have fewer negative physical effects; although non-tobacco nicotine products are not risk-free. Nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT), the use of nicotine gum and patches, is another form of harm reduction. The goal of NRT is to reduce a person’s dependence on nicotine in a step-wise manner.

Medical professionals consider tobacco use disorder to be a chronic condition, but recovery is possible. Many people can discontinue tobacco use over time with appropriate treatment and support. Relapse is often a normal part of the recovery journey and doesn’t indicate a lack of progress.

Medications may not always be necessary to treat tobacco use disorder, but they can be beneficial for some people, especially in combination with behavioral therapies. The decision depends on individual circumstances and a person’s overall health status.

Involving family in therapy or peer-support groups can be beneficial, both to educate family and provide support.

Encourage them to seek professional help. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, expressing concern for their well-being.

Treatment is individualized based on the specific person’s needs, but you may expect a combination of the following during the treatment process: assessment and evaluation, medical monitoring, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), counseling, education and skills building, relapse prevention and preparedness planning, continued support, and aftercare planning.

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It's important to ask about payment options and verify insurance coverage before starting treatment. Many treatment programs have a navigator who can provide information on available options and help navigate the payment process. Some available options for payment may include: individual health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, out-of-pocket payment, sliding scale fees, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and payment plans.

Sessions with your therapist and other members of your treatment team will typically happen more frequently in the beginning of your treatment, usually a few times a week. Then, as recovery progresses, you can expect to meet less, depending on the level of support you need. This will be an ongoing discussion between you and your team.

The Anonymous Health app complements the counseling and medical support you receive.  It includes weekly exercises to teach you tools and techniques to not only help you overcome your addiction, but also to improve your life and some of the underlying stressors you may experience.  Additionally, on a daily basis, you will be prompted to practice the tools and techniques that you learn.  Our app is “gamified” and designed to be engaging, so we can do as much as possible to support your successful recovery.