The current state of tobacco cessation treatment

Abstract

Nicotine addiction and dependence is a chronic relapsing disease driven by addiction to nicotine. Proactive treatment for all tobacco users, regardless of their readiness to quit, is recommended. First-line tobacco cessation medications include nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline. Comprehensive treatment with behavioral interventions and pharmacologic therapy increases success rates of smoking cessation. Although there are many popular alternative treatments, they should not replace or delay the use of known effective therapies.