Overcoming barriers to nicotine dependence treatment

Tobacco dependence is the most overlooked and undertreated preventable caus e of chronic disease in the developed world. Three barriers to effective tr eatment must be overcome: the reluctance of nicotine addicts to seek help; inadequate training of health professionals to treat hard core smokers; and a health care system that does not acknowledge the need for professional t reatment of nicotine addiction. Effective physicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify high-risk smokers who need more assistance to quit. All smokers should be engaged in a tailored office intervention b ased on their needs. Adoption of simple clinical protocols can eliminate th e barriers that prevent effective counseling and treatment in the office se tting.