Treatment of nicotine dependence

Nicotine dependence is characterized by periods of relapse and remission. H ealth care workers can have a pivotal role in the treatment of nicotine dep endence, Smokers should be identified and categorized based on their readin ess to change. Smokers who are preparing to stop smoking should be given mu lticomponent therapy in a step-care approach using behavioral treatment, ad diction treatment, pharmacotherapy, and techniques of relapse prevention, P harmacotherapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for smoking i nterventions include sustained-release bupropion, nicotine gum, the nicotin e inhaler, nicotine nasal spray, and nicotine patches.