Understanding & Mitigating the Impact of Nicotine on Public Health

Nicotine use is a global public health problem with over 1.3 billion tobacco users and more than 8 million deaths each year. The tragedies of death and disease are amplified by the cost of lost wages and medical expense. In the USA, there are 490,000 deaths annually and 8.6% of the health care budget is consumed by tobacco-related diseases. The most recent Surgeon General’s Report: Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities is here. The 2023 Report from the World Health Organization is here

Most tobacco users start at an early age. What is it about nicotine that attracts young people and keeps them hooked? Nicotine effects a variety of neurotransmitters in the brain and has a broad range of effects on mood and cognition and can easily cause dependence. Younger brains are especially vulnerable to becoming addicted.

Cigarettes are by far the most harmful source of nicotine. Although less toxic sources of nicotine are available, the best option is not to start at all. If already addicted, complete cessation is the best long-term strategy. If repeated efforts at cessation which include both medication and counselling are not effective, then consider harm reduction.

How can you obtain reliable information and support if you are struggling with nicotine dependence?

Empowering evidence-based information mapping out a new choice architecture is available here.

Are you seeking ways to integrate evidence-based tobacco treatment into your medical practice?

Whether fee for service, value-based or mixed, it is in your economic interest to maximize performance in tobacco treatment. Look at the business case here.