274 Unit 4 Understanding and Avoiding Hazardous Substances Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. of experiencing a heart attack or developing cancer, are seen within a year after quitting. These benefits increase over fi time, meaning that the longer an ex-smoker goes without using tobacco, the lower the risk of experiencing these major health problems. Although quitting tobacco can be difficult, nicotine ad- fi diction can be treated. Treatment methods include nicotine replacement, medication, and self-management techniques. Nicotine Replacement Some approaches to quitting smoking, or smoking cessa- tion, rely on nicotine replacement. nicotine replacement In this treatment, tobacco users continue to put nicotine into their bodies, which less- ens their withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it eas- ier to quit. In this way, tobacco users can gradually treat their addiction to nicotine by using smaller and smaller amounts. Eventually, people fi nd they are no longer dependent on nic- fi otine. The most commonly used nicotine replacement strate- gies are nicotine gum and the nicotine patch (Figure 9.11). Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have also been marketed as a tool for smokers who want to stop using tobacco products (Figure 9.12). E-cigarettes are controversial, however, because the US government has not approved e-cigarettes as a suc- cessful and safe form of smoking cessation. E-cigarettes can also lead to nicotine addiction if used by adolescents and other fi rst-time smokers. Because of these risks, the use of fi e-cigarettes is opposed by the Food and Drug Administration, the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. Medications Prescribed by a Doctor Some medications prescribed by a doctor help smokers quit by simu- lating dopamine, a chemical in the brain that leads people to experience the same type of effects caused by nicotine use. People who take these medi- cations may be better able to cope with the withdrawal effects caused by reducing their intake of nicotine. Self-Management Strategies Self-management strategies often involve identifying situations that trigger the desire for tobacco use and developing techniques to resist temp- tation. Once tobacco users understand the situations or feelings that lead them to want to use tobacco, they can respond with two techniques—stim- ulus control and response substitution. Stimulus control involves trying to avoid tempting situations and managing feelings that lead to nicotine use. Nicotine gum and nicotine patches help tobacco addicts quit smoking. How helpful do you think these products might be to a person who is quitting smoking? Figure 9.11 nicotine replacement t a method of battling addiction in which tobacco users gradually reduce their nicotine consumption stimulus control the technique of avoiding situations that may lead to drug use