Resource Center: research report

This article is an intervention review. It reviews behavioral and pharmacological interventions for helping users quit smokeless tobacco.

NRT aims to reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking by replacing the nicotine from cigarettes. NRT is available as skin patches that deliver nicotine slowly, and chewing gum, nasal spray, inhalers, and lozenges/tablets, all of which deliver nicotine to the brain more quickly than from skin patches, but less rapidly than from smoking cigarettes. This review includes 132 trials of NRT, with over 40,000 people in the main analysis. It found evidence that all forms of NRT made it more likely that a person's attempt to quit smoking would succeed. The chances of stopping smoking were increased by 50 to 70%. Most of the studies were performed in people smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day. What limited evidence there is suggests no overall difference in effectiveness of different forms of NRT nor a benefit for using patches beyond 8 weeks. NRT works with or without additional counselling, and does not need to be prescribed by a doctor. Heavier smokers may need higher doses of NRT. People who use NRT during a quit attempt are likely to further increase their chance of success by using a combination of the nicotine patch and a faster acting form. Preliminary data suggests that starting to use NRT shortly before the planned quit date may increase the chance of success. Adverse effects from using NRT are related to the type of product, and include skin irritation from patches and irritation to the inside of the mouth from gum and tablets. There is no evidence that NRT increases the risk of heart attacks. (From their website)

Provides data on the prevalence of birth defects and various genetic conditions. Additionally, it includes information on international prevalence and includes resources on the lifetime cost of care for certain conditions.

Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. It accounts for more than 440,000 of the more than 2.4 million annual deaths. Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing several chronic disorders. These include fatty buildups in arteries, several types of cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (lung problems). Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty substances in the arteries) is a chief contributor to the high number of deaths from smoking. Many studies detail the evidence that cigarette smoking is a major cause of coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. (From Their Website)

This document presents the results of a survey of 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade students on the topic of drug use and the perceived risk and estimated availability of different licit and illicit drugs.

Five subtypes of alcohol dependence

This report from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth "... focuses on our current understanding of underage drinking and seeks to prompt action by putting a spotlight on whether the nation is making progress in protecting our children by reducing underage drinking." (From Their Website)

The burden of suffering due to tobacco use is staggering, and irreconcilable with the relative social and medical complacency with which it is treated. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable premature death in our society, claiming more lives around the world each year than war: it may be the most important public health issue of our time., Since most smokers see a physician each year, and most smokers report a desire to quit, primary care clinicians are well positioned to assist smokers in their cessation efforts. It is essential to provide effective cessation intervention for all smokers at each visit. (From their website)

Minors' Right to Consent to Health Care and to Make Other Important Decisions

Recommendations for the treatment and care of pregnant women with alcohol and/or other drug use problems