Psychosocial Treatment in Nicotine Dependence

Tobacco use, the most common cause of death and diseases, has been decreased by the world's efforts for the past 20 years. However, tobacco use does not decrease as much as expected, which may be due to nicotine dependence. When viewed in terms of nicotine-dependence, antismoking campaigns or the effort of quitting smoking by individuals' own is difficult reality. According to statistics, most Korean smokers try to quit smoking without any help of consultation or treatment, and only 7 percent of those who do succeed in quitting smoking for one year. According to the cognitive theory, chronic tobacco use is reinforced by positive reinforcers such as tension relief and weight reduction, and by negative reinforcers such as weight gain and withdrawal symptoms. Psychosocial interventions refer to the skills and techniques that are critical for the care of all patients with nicotine dependence. These interventions have been reported to be effective in increasing quitting rates.ope