Answer

Nicotine Case Study

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), tobacco use disorder, dependence or abuse is diagnosed when a person is dependent upon nicotine, which is found in tobacco.  The addictive nature of tobacco includes obsessive and reoccurring use after abstaining, drug reinforced behavior, and physical dependence and tolerance (Gali, et al., 2020). This discussion, therefore, is based on the case study question on tobacco use and addiction.

1. Would Tonnesha meet DSM-5 criteria for nicotine abuse, dependence, or misuse? Why? Use the DSM-5 to support your answer.

Based on the information provided, Tonnesha would meet the DSM-5 criteria for nicotine abuse, dependence, or misuse.  It is important to note that there are three criteria, 15 sub-features and four specifies the DSM-5 uses to diagnose Tobacco Use Disorder. When a person uses tobacco for more than twelve months and a minimum of two sub-features appear, he or she is diagnosed with the disorder (Gali et al., 2020). In the case of Tonnesha, she has met at least two of the sub-features based on the information provided. She is an addict as she says that tobacco is cool, and consumes it every weekend. On the same note, she has been smoking it for the last four years without quitting despite knowing the effects of Marijuana.

What treatments are there for nicotine addiction? What option would be most appropriate for Tonnesha, given her age and use?

There are several treatments for nicotine addiction. The first one is use of medication in which the smoker can try a variety of medication based on the severity of addiction.  Some of the medications include chantix drugs and bupropion. Secondly, there are nicotine replacement therapies which are over the counter therapies. They include sprays, gums, and patches. The products target the same receptors that nicotine does in the brain. They slowly ease withdrawal and craving symptoms. Lastly, there are therapies such as counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acupuncture, and hypnotherapy. In Tonnesha’s case, counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy are the right options. It is important to note that she has not demonstrated severe signs of addiction although she smokes every weekend. Similarly, she has not demonstrated craving signs based on the information provided. As such, she only needs counseling that would inform of her of the consequences of continuing smoking.  As stated Sheffer et al. (2020), several youths smoke as a result of peer pressure with little information about the effects of their acts. In doing so, Tonnesha will be discouraged and ultimately quit smoking.

1. To what extent do you think vaping/e-cigarettes will replace smoking, particularly for teens? (If you feel comfortable, you may also address vaping in your video.)

Studies reveal that vaping or e-cigarettes have got notable impact in assisting teenagers to quit smoking.  According to the study conducted by Sheffer et al. (2020), bans on e-cigarette sales to minors yield a statistically significant 0.9 percentage point increase in the recent smoking rate among 12 to 17 year olds, relative to states without such bans. However, it is important to note that impact of e cigarette is so small and other interventions that have been tested and confirmed should be put in place in order to assist them to engaging in smoking activities. Some of the significant interventions include creation of awareness among the youths as well as restricting the use of cigars.