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How Can Nicotine Addiction Be Treated?

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Posted on Wed, 21 Jun 2017
Question: I'm trying to quit/cut back on two things. I use smokeless tobacco and I drink too much (not a 12 beer a night kind of guy, but 6 is too much as well).

I am in the military and when I'm deployed I usually can't drink and it doesn't bother me at all. And I have quit dipping for the last 6-8 weeks of deployments and even with cans of it in my room I felt little to no urge. How do I make this happen at home? My guess is that they are working in concert.

I do not want to use any nicotine supplements. I have done the best when I go cold turkey on tobacco.

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Bupropion can be utilised as option to reduce tobacco intake.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

You have mentioned that when you are out on work then there is no urge and you remain alcohol free for weeks without any problem. When you are at home you feel urge to drink and drink around 6 cans daily. This shows that you are not physically dependent on alcohol but the dependence is psychological. In such situations usually no drugs work but behavioural modifications work. One option is to consult a doctor and take drugs like Disulfiram. The drug causes severe reaction if individual drinks alcohol after taking it. The reaction acts to change behaviour and strong repulsion to alcohol develops after some time. You can think of this option and this should help you.

Other option is to change behaviour by self. Distract yourself and keep yourself busy at home. Do any work that helps to reduce the intake of alcohol. You can keep yourself busy in physical training and the need will cut down. Make a diary and note down the daily intake. Reduce the intake gradually and bring the intake to one beer in about 6 weeks.

You are on smokeless tobacco so advising you to take Nicotine supplements is not a good idea. You can stop it cold turkey and this will not cause much issues. For some days you might have restlessness, fatigue, tiredness etc symptoms but with time these will reduce. Drugs like Bupropion can be utilised for reduction of craving. The drug will reduce the craving and will reduce anxiety too. You can talk with a doctor for that drug.

Thanks and Take care

You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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How Can Nicotine Addiction Be Treated?

Brief Answer: Bupropion can be utilised as option to reduce tobacco intake. Detailed Answer: Hello, You have mentioned that when you are out on work then there is no urge and you remain alcohol free for weeks without any problem. When you are at home you feel urge to drink and drink around 6 cans daily. This shows that you are not physically dependent on alcohol but the dependence is psychological. In such situations usually no drugs work but behavioural modifications work. One option is to consult a doctor and take drugs like Disulfiram. The drug causes severe reaction if individual drinks alcohol after taking it. The reaction acts to change behaviour and strong repulsion to alcohol develops after some time. You can think of this option and this should help you. Other option is to change behaviour by self. Distract yourself and keep yourself busy at home. Do any work that helps to reduce the intake of alcohol. You can keep yourself busy in physical training and the need will cut down. Make a diary and note down the daily intake. Reduce the intake gradually and bring the intake to one beer in about 6 weeks. You are on smokeless tobacco so advising you to take Nicotine supplements is not a good idea. You can stop it cold turkey and this will not cause much issues. For some days you might have restlessness, fatigue, tiredness etc symptoms but with time these will reduce. Drugs like Bupropion can be utilised for reduction of craving. The drug will reduce the craving and will reduce anxiety too. You can talk with a doctor for that drug. Thanks and Take care You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.