Abstract
Tobacco dependence is a chronic relapsing disease with psychosocial and physical component. Both characteristics of the disease require treatment – psychosocial intervention and pharmacotherapy.
The intensity of the treatment will vary according to the therapist time possibilities from short interventions (within 5 minutes) up to intense and prolonged treatment. Currently we have 3 types of first-line medications available – nicotine replacement therapy, which is available OTC in pharmacy and two drugs on prescription – varenicline and bupropion.
First contact physicians should pay attention to tobacco dependence, at least ask about smoking, recommend stopping and offer brief intervention to each patient. If the smoker needs more intensive treatment that exceeds the available time of the clinician, the patient may be reffered to any of Centers for Tobacco-Dependent from the current list available on SLZT.CZ.