Putting the research into practice

Tobacco use is common and is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and the United Kingdom. Smoking cessation benefits virtually every smoker, regardless of age, disease state, or years of smoking.1 Smoking persists because of physical dependence on nicotine and psychological dependence on cigarettes as part of the daily routine, and as a way of coping with stress.2 Smokers, even those with tobacco related disease, are often ambivalent about quitting, discouraged by failed attempts to stop, and unaware of effective treatments. Tobacco use is best regarded by doctors as a chronic condition requiring long term management rather than just one-time advice to quit.2 3 Pharmacotherapy and counselling are each effective for treating tobacco …