Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)

Table of Contents

Other names

Nicotine addiction
Tobacco dependence
Cigarette addiction
Chewing tobacco dependence
Smokeless tobacco addiction

Synopsis

Tobacco addiction is a dependence on nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless products like chewing tobacco and snuff. Nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, reinforcing tobacco use. Regular consumption leads to tolerance (requiring more to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and death worldwide, linked to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various cancers (especially lung and oral cancers). Despite these risks, nicotine's addictive properties make quitting challenging.

Types:

  • Smoking addiction: Dependence on cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

  • Smokeless tobacco addiction: Includes chewing tobacco, snuff, or dissolvable tobacco products.

  • Polytobacco use: Using multiple tobacco products concurrently.

  • Nicotine dependence without tobacco: Includes nicotine patches, gum, or e-cigarettes (vaping) in some cases.

Common Causes:

  • Nicotine’s effect on the brain: Stimulates dopamine release, reinforcing tobacco use.

  • Social and environmental triggers: Peer pressure, social situations, or stress encourage tobacco use.

  • Habitual routines: Associating tobacco use with daily activities (e.g., after meals, during breaks).

  • Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are more susceptible to nicotine dependence.

  • Stress and emotional coping: Tobacco use becomes a method of managing anxiety, depression, or boredom.

More Severe Causes (Complications):

  • Cardiovascular disease: Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

  • Respiratory diseases: Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD, and lung cancer.

  • Cancers: Oral, throat, esophageal, pancreatic, bladder, and cervical cancers.

  • Weakened immune system: Increased vulnerability to infections.

  • Dental issues (chewing tobacco): Gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancers.

  • Pregnancy complications: Miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

When to See a Doctor or Specialist:

  • Struggles with quitting tobacco despite repeated attempts

  • Experience of withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, or intense cravings

  • Health issues related to tobacco use (respiratory symptoms, heart disease, cancers)

  • Use of tobacco during pregnancy

  • Consideration of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or medications

Natural Remedies

Gradual Reduction or Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Slowly taper nicotine intake through reduced tobacco use or NRT (patches, gum, lozenges). Helps ease withdrawal symptoms.

Herbal Teas (Chamomile, Green Tea): Soothes stress, reduces cravings, and replaces the oral fixation of smoking or chewing. Green tea offers mild stimulant effects without nicotine.

Adaptogenic Herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola): Balance stress hormones and reduce anxiety that often triggers tobacco use. Support emotional resilience during withdrawal.

Black Pepper Essential Oil (Aromatherapy): Inhalation reduces cravings and provides a similar sensory experience to smoking. May also help with withdrawal-related anxiety.

Oat Straw or Oat Extract: Traditionally used to support nervous system health and reduce cravings for tobacco. Soothes anxiety and irritability.

Licorice Root Chews or Tea (DGL Form): Offers oral satisfaction and soothes the throat while reducing cravings. DGL licorice also protects the stomach lining, which may be irritated by tobacco.

Ginseng: Reduces nicotine-induced dopamine release, helping reduce the rewarding effects of tobacco. May lower cravings and improve mood.

Exercise: Physical activity boosts dopamine naturally, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Improves mood, lung function, and cardiovascular health.

Deep Breathing or Meditation: Helps manage cravings, stress, and emotional triggers. Calms the nervous system and supports self-control.