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The short answer is, “no, you can’t go to rehab for tobacco.” Tobacco is a substance found in cigarettes that can quickly cause dependence and abuse. It is known to cause dependence, so why can’t people go to rehab for it?
Symptoms of Tobacco Addiction
Tobacco can affect people socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. But yet, cigarettes are sold at the counters of convenience stores all over the country. This is because people are still buying cigarettes after knowing the harm that tobacco can cause. So why do they keep using tobacco even when they know the risks? Because they’re addicted to it. Tobacco contains nicotine, an extremely addictive chemical. Nicotine causes a rush of adrenaline in the bloodstream and increases the brain’s levels of dopamine, otherwise known as “the happy chemical.” Since dopamine stimulates the area of the brain associated with reward, it can easily cause dependence. Here are some signs that someone you know may be addicted to nicotine or tobacco:
- They must smoke or chew tobacco after eating dinner, seeing a movie, or working.
- They need tobacco products to feel “normal” during times of stress.
- They won’t attend events or activities where smoking isn’t allowed.
- They cannot stop smoking or chewing despite attempting to quit.
- They experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.
- They continue to smoke despite health consequences.
Why Rehabs Don’t Treat Tobacco Use
Ultimately, tobacco addiction isn’t treated in substance abuse facilities because cigarettes are legal and accessible around the United States. Tobacco use is still extremely prevalent and there are many treatment options for addiction available over-the-counter and by prescription, so this type of abuse is usually treated individually. But for people who could use some more support, there are groups like Nicotine Anonymous for individuals with these types of addictions.
Treatment Methods for Tobacco Dependence
Nicotine and tobacco addictions can be very difficult to manage, but there are ways to effectively treat this type of substance abuse disorder. Individuals who are battling an addiction to tobacco have the option to choose from several treatment methods such as:
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine sprays and inhalers
- Certain medications
- Hypnotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
It is important to keep in mind that the recovery process will be different for everyone. No two nicotine addictions are alike, so everyone will require different treatment methods. In fact, some individuals may benefit from a combination of the treatment methods above.
How To Quit Using Tobacco For Good
Unfortunately, tobacco addiction can never fully be “cured.” It is something that individuals have to keep working on in order to live a healthy life. Relapse may happen, but what’s important is that a person gets themselves back up again even if they slip up. If you’d like to learn more about tobacco addiction and available resources, contact our team of substance abuse representatives by calling 267.719.8689.
