Tobacco Use Disorder
Tobacco use disorder is the clinical diagnosis given when an individual develops a pattern of tobacco use that causes significant impairment or distress and meets specific diagnostic criteria — including unsuccessful efforts to quit, continued use despite known health consequences, and the presence of withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop.
Nicotine — the primary addictive substance found in all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff — produces rapid changes in brain chemistry that reinforce continued use and make cessation extremely difficult without support. Both the physical and psychological components of dependence must be addressed for treatment to be effective.
Tobacco use disorder is treatable. A psychiatric evaluation assesses the nature of your dependence, identifies co-occurring mental health factors that may be sustaining your tobacco use, and establishes a personalized treatment plan including appropriate medication and clinical support.
This practice provides only non-nicotine Tobacco Use Disorder medication treatment such as Varenicline (Chantix) and Bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin).
The body’s physical adaptation to nicotine — requiring increasing use to achieve the same effect and producing withdrawal symptoms when use decreases.
Physical and psychological discomfort when reducing or stopping tobacco use, including cravings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep.
Habitual use tied to specific emotions, situations, or routines — such as using after meals, during stress, or socially — that deepen dependence and complicate cessation.
Underlying anxiety, depression, or chronic stress that drives or maintains tobacco use and must be addressed alongside cessation for treatment to succeed long-term.
Tobacco use disorder is defined by specific clinical criteria. These signs may indicate that your tobacco use has moved beyond habit into a diagnosable condition that warrants treatment.
Tobacco use disorder is not a character weakness. It is a clinically recognized condition driven by neurological dependence, and it responds well to structured professional treatment.
Tobacco dependence, nicotine cravings, failed quit attempts, withdrawal symptoms, continued use despite health consequences, co-occurring anxiety or depression
Psychiatric Evaluation (Required for all new patients)
30–60 minutes
Insurance and Self-Pay Options Available
Telehealth (New York & Kansas residents only)
Tobacco use disorder is a clinical diagnosis based on specific criteria — including unsuccessful quit attempts, withdrawal, continued use despite harm, and impaired control over use. Not every tobacco user meets the diagnostic threshold, but those who do benefit significantly from structured clinical treatment.
Treatment typically includes psychiatric evaluation, behavioral support strategies, and medication options such as varenicline (Chantix), bupropion, or nicotine replacement therapy. The right combination will be determined based on your individual presentation and health history.
This practice provides only non-nicotine Tobacco Use Disorder medication treatment such as Varenicline (Chantix) and Bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin).
Yes. Any nicotine-containing tobacco product — including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, and some electronic nicotine delivery systems — can produce dependence that meets criteria for tobacco use disorder.
Not necessarily. Some treatment approaches involve a gradual reduction in use while beginning medication support. Your cessation plan will be individualized and realistic based on your specific situation and readiness.
Yes. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management for tobacco use disorder are available via telehealth for residents of New York and Kansas.
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Evidence-based treatment for tobacco use disorder is available, effective, and built around your individual needs. Take the first step and request an evaluation today.
