Epidemiology of nicotine dependence and general aspects of smoking cessation

Nicotine dependence is now regarded as the major obstacle to successful control of tobacco-related health problems. Several factors might affect the distributions of nicotine dependence in different populations, such as different cultural customs and values. Moreover, in societies where rates of smoking are low, it is feasible to suppose that the remaining smokers are more highly dependent. One of the most interesting questions is: What happens before a smoker actually stops smoking, and how can this phase (nicotine preabstinence syndrome) be used and/or modified? There is no ''wonder cure'' for the smoker who wishes to quit. Smoking cessation therapy is a typical example of life style medicine. Nicotine medications provide effective treatment for tobacco dependence, typically doubting or tripling the rates of success of smokers who try to quit without treatment. Diagnosis and treatment of nicotine dependence are now being established by using various kinds of diagnostic procedures and treatment techniques. There is no typical ''smoker'' anymore. It is the responsibility of the medical system to provide these new services that are at least as important as the diagnosis and treatment of other conditions already regarded as being important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, e.g., hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.