With Mayo Clinic behavioral counselor Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.

Welcome to our new tobacco blog!

As a tobacco cessation counselor, I frequently hear people say "I just don't have enough will power — if I were stronger I could quit." The feeling associated with this thought is very real, but the truth is that most people cannot just put down the cigarette or step away from the tin of chewing tobacco. This is because we are talking about a real physiological and psychological addiction to nicotine. The word addiction in the English language originates from the Latin root "addictus" which means "to devote" or "to yield." In Dutch, the word for addiction is "verslaving" which directly translates to "enslavement." I think this conveys what most tobacco users experience in their relationship with smoking or smokeless tobacco.

People generally try smoking or using other forms of tobacco during adolescence. What they don't realize at the time is just how addictive tobacco products are and how tough it will be to stop later in life. They think, "I can quit anytime I want," or "I'll only smoke while I'm in my 20s." Of those who experiment with tobacco, approximately 90 percent will become addicted. Once their personally-appointed grace period passes they realize quitting is not as easy as they had anticipated. What they find instead is that they are literally enslaved.

My hat is off to anyone who has overcome or is striving to overcome an addiction, but especially to tobacco. A nicotine addiction is comparable in strength to a cocaine or heroine addiction, and confronting it is one of the greatest challenges many people will face in their lives. So, it is not just a "bad habit" we are talking about. This is a common misconception however, since tobacco products are both legal and easily accessible. In reality, breaking free from tobacco takes incredible courage and frequently requires a tremendous mental, emotional and financial investment. The result of these efforts, however, can mean taking back your life!

What about you? Are you or a loved one struggling with a tobacco addiction? Have you tried to quit over and over again and feel like all you're getting good at is failing? Don't be discouraged. Dealing with addiction is a very complex task, and getting proper treatment is the first step to regaining control and overcoming this powerful force.

In this blog I will discuss a myriad of issues that come into play when addressing nicotine addiction and working toward a tobacco-free life. I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with you through this forum, and I look forward to reading your responses and "hearing" your personal stories.

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