Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Nicotine dependence is an addiction to tobacco products caused by the drug nicotine. Nicotine dependence — also referred to as tobacco dependence — means you can’t stop using the substance, even though it’s causing you harm. While it’s the nicotine in tobacco that causes nicotine dependence, the toxic effects come mainly from other substances in tobacco. Smokers have much higher rates of heart disease, stroke and cancer than do nonsmokers.

Nicotine produces physical and mood-altering effects in your brain that are temporarily pleasing. These effects make you want to use tobacco and lead to dependence. At the same time, stopping tobacco use causes withdrawal symptoms, including irritability and anxiety.

Many effective treatments for nicotine dependence are available to help you manage withdrawal and stop smoking for good. Ask your doctor for help.

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

In some people, using any amount of tobacco can quickly lead to nicotine dependence. Signs that you may be addicted include:

• You can’t stop smoking. You’ve made one or more serious, but unsuccessful, attempts to stop.
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.Your attempts at stopping have caused physical and mood-related signs and symptoms, such as strong cravings, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, frustration or anger, increased hunger, insomnia, and constipation or diarrhea.
• You keep smoking despite health problems. Even though you’ve developed problems with your lungs or your heart, you haven’t stopped or can’t stop.
• You give up social or recreational activities in order to smoke.You may stop going to smoke-free restaurants or stop socializing with certain family members or friends because you can’t smoke in these locations or situations.

When to see a doctor
You’re not alone if you’ve tried to stop smoking, but haven’t been able to stop for good. Most smokers make many attempts to stop smoking before they have stable, long-term success.

You’re more likely to stop for good if you follow a treatment plan that addresses both the physical and the behavioral aspects of nicotine dependence. Using medications and working with a stop-smoking counselor will significantly boost your chances of success.

Ask your doctor to help you create a treatment plan that works for you.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nicotine-dependence/DS00307