Am I Addicted to Tobacco?

Do you often take tobacco in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control tobacco use?

Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain or use tobacco?

Do you experience craving, or a strong desire or urge to use tobacco?

Do you recurrently use tobacco resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., interference with work)?

Do you continuously use tobacco despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of tobacco (e.g., arguments with others about tobacco use)?

Are you giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of tobacco use?

Do you recurrently use tobacco in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., smoking in bed)?

Do you continue tobacco use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by tobacco?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of tobacco to achieve the desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of tobacco?

After abrupt cessation/reduction of prolonged tobacco use, do you experience, within 24 hours, four different symptoms (irritability/anger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, insomnia), or do you take tobacco (or a closely related substance, such as nicotine) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you are addicted to tobacco. Tobacco is one of the most abused substances in the world and is highly addictive. It causes millions of deaths each year. Nicotine is the principal addictive substance in tobacco. It causes adrenaline and increases dopamine (a ‘happy’ chemical). Tobacco, like any other drug, can cause addiction over time. Not only can smoking cause several diseases such as lung cancer and heart problems, also it can cause diabetes, eye problems, and infertility. The best way to prevent tobacco addiction is to not use it in the first place.

While it is unlikely that you have tobacco use disorder, you are displaying a symptom related to it. Although it’s a very common substance, tobacco contains many harmful ingredients, including nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and results in cravings for more of it. People who suffer from tobacco-use disorder continue to use the substance even though they know it’s dangerous for their health. Tobacco use and exposure cause many early deaths. The addiction can be difficult to manage, but there are many treatments for tobacco addiction. If you want to stop smoking or using tobacco but you feel like you can’t do it on your own, plan a visit to your doctor.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have tobacco use disorder. It may be of great importance to seek medical attention for the symptoms you are experiencing. People with tobacco use disorder are likely to continue to use tobacco to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Tobacco use disorder is treatable by using the right behavioral, psychosocial and pharmacological interventions. Treatment usually includes education about tobacco. Besides, group support interventions may be efficient, as well as individual sessions. Ask your doctor which intervention would be appropriate for you. Which treatment works best also depends on someone’s motivation to quit.