[Curing smoking: a priority health objective]

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is the number one avoidable killer in the industrial world. Yet doctors frequently do not treat or prevent the disease as they should. Education and training are lacking. In the present article an overview of these and other smoking-related problems and, at the same time, a description of the practical management of an outpatient clinic for smoking cessation, the epidemiology of smoking, the related risks and mortality, as well as the advantages of quitting are presented. The toxicology and pharmacology are discussed, in relation to addiction and craving. The article also includes the diagnosis of nicotine-dependence and nicotine replacement as well as bupropione and acupuncture treatments. The gain in body weight, depression and relapse are also dealt with. The various and personally tailored therapeutic strategies used in a service operating in a setting of Internal Medicine are presented and discussed.