Tobacco Use Disorder and Smoking Cessation

Course Summary

Tobacco use disorder is diagnosed according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which references current evidence identifying tobacco use patterns and severity. The diagnosis of a tobacco use disorder helps to guide the clinical management of smoking cessation, to identify at-risk populations relative to nicotine craving and withdrawal, and to plan interventions for the successful cessation of tobacco use. Medication and behavioral-based interventions such as group therapy, specialized clinics, self-help interventions using educational resources, telephone resources or counseling, and provider-to-patient interaction are the mainstays of smoking cessation therapy. Risk factors related to tobacco use, smoking cessation options, and relapse prevention are discussed.