Cravings up in smoke

Smoking is a habit associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nicotine has been associated with the rewarding effects of smoking and the dependence that can develop. Both lighter and heavier smokers usually identify the first cigarette of the morning as the most satisfying of the day, and this is believed to due to the relative lack of nicotine in the body as a result of not smoking during the night's sleep. Pharmacists, their staff and other health care professionals need to be aware of patients smoking status, assess their willingness to quit, and provide effective therapies and support to those who wish to do so. Nicotine replacement therapies continue to provide the intending quitter with levels of nicotine similar to those that result from smoking, enabling the individual to form new, healthier habits. A variety of dose forms of NRT are available, enabling therapy to be customised to each individual's needs and preferences. Access to a Quitline can be very valuable in enabling quitting smokers to cope in situations where they may feel tempted to smoke. There are many state and national Quitlines and support programs, as outlined above.