Objectives: To review tobacco use and dependence including nicotine pharmacology and addiction, and pharmacologic treatment.
Data sources: Professional journals, books, government publications.
Conclusion: Smoking is addictive and a major health problem. Habitual nicotine use is central to sustaining smoking dependence. This article provides the necessary basis for understanding nicotine addiction and pharmacologic therapies.
Implications for nursing practice: Nurses' knowledge about nicotine addiction is important in helping patients to quit smoking.