What are treatments for Tobacco Use Disorder?

Tobacco use disorder is considered highly treatable when the appropriate pharmacological, behavioral, and psychosocial interventions are used. Treatment may include behavioral therapy, education about the nature and health consequences of tobacco addiction, individual and group addiction support programs, relapse prevention counseling, hypnosis, and tailored treatments for those with lower or higher motivation to quit. Nicotine replacement medications may be used to treat nicotine dependence. Non-nicotine medications may help patients who fail replacement therapy. Bupropion (Zyban) is an antidepressant medication that has both dopaminergic and adrenergic action. In one study, combined bupropion and nicotine patches had higher quiet rates than either alone. Other medications that may be helpful include nortriptyline (Pamelor) and clonidine (Catapres).