Addressing Barriers to Provision of First-Line Pharmacotherapy for Tobacco Use Disorder

Evins and Cather discuss the need to address barriers to provision of first-line pharmacotherapy for tobacco use disorder, highlighting the study by White et al on the issue. Expert clinical consensus guidelines call for clinicians to offer a prescription to all patients who smoke tobacco; to provide strong, clear, and personalized advice to patients to quit as soon as possible; and to proactively connect patients to behavioral support for tobacco smoking cessation. This guidance is rooted in the recognition that tobacco smoking is a chronic substance use disorder caused by addiction to nicotine. Pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation is recommended for all who smoke tobacco and will accept such therapy, regardless of their readiness to quit, and with rare exception.