Open AccessTobacco dependence; the whole story
Author(s) -
Feras Hawari
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of human and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2523-692X
DOI - 10.31344/ijhhs.v2i3.38
Subject(s) - nicotine , tobacco harm reduction , tobacco smoke , medicine , nicotine dependence , addiction , environmental health , tobacco use , tobacco in alabama , tobacco control , psychiatry , public health , pathology , population
The use of tobacco dates back to hundreds of years and is considered highly addictive. Nicotine is the predominant substance that causes tobacco dependence. Nicotine exerts its effect via similar neurological pathways used by other recreational drugs resulting in high level of dependence. All forms of exposure to tobacco including active use of tobacco, second-hand as well as third-hand exposure to tobacco smoke are known to be harmful. Tobacco is the only risk factor that is common between all non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancer and diabetes mellitus. International consensus regarding the harms of tobacco is now evident. Many international organizations are mapping the way for the end of tobacco. Until then, aggressive treatment for those subjects interested in quitting must be provided in order to prevent a significant surge in non-communicable diseases especially in low income countries. Tobacco dependence is a chronic relapsing disorder that requires a multidisciplinary approach using psychological and pharmacological techniques.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 02 No. 03 July’18. Page : 112-125