Treatment of nicotine dependence.

Nicotine dependence is characterized by periods of relapse and remission. Health care workers can have a pivotal role in the treatment of nicotine dependence. Smokers should be identified and categorized based on their readiness to change. Smokers who are preparing to stop smoking should be given multicomponent therapy in a step-care approach using behavioral treatment, addiction treatment, pharmacotherapy, and techniques of relapse prevention. Pharmacotherapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for smoking interventions include sustained-release bupropion, nicotine gum, the nicotine inhaler, nicotine nasal spray, and nicotine patches.