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CURRENT TRENDS IN SMOKING

In recent years, the consumption of traditional cigarettes has declined in the United States (U.S.), but approximately 40 million adults are still active smokers.¹ Additionally, nearly 5 million adolescents in middle and high school use tobacco products (including the newer electronic devices). In fact, adolescence is the period when most active smokers are first introduced to the habit.² Every day, almost 2000 young people initiate their first use of a tobacco-related product.¹ Interestingly, adolescents and young adults are more likely to try to quit than older individuals,³ but they are less likely to use medications or receive help from a healthcare practitioner for smoking cessation, possibly due to the fact that many are non-daily smokers and, as such, are not considered (by themselves or by healthcare providers) to be truly addicted to nicotine.⁴ However, medical intervention in the treatment of smoking addiction has demonstrated utility regardless of age.⁵

The adverse health effects associated with smoking have been known for decades. It has the potential to harm every major system in the body and it remains the leading cause of preventable death.⁶ Still, as stated, millions of people continue to smoke in spite of this knowledge and in spite of aggressive anti-smoking campaigns supported by advocacy groups and public health initiatives. However, data demonstrate that more than two-thirds of smokers have expressed a desire to quit.⁷ All members of the medical community can play a role in identifying tobacco users and helping them reach the goal of successful cessation.