Beschouw tabaksverslaving niet als leefstijl, maar als verslaving

Tobacco use disorder is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Yet, in contrast to other substance use disorders, tobacco use disorder is often considered as an unhealthy lifestyle. In this article we argue that tobacco use disorder should be considered similar to other addictive disorders, and summarize supporting arguments from genetics, neuroscience, as well as treatment perspective. Considering Tobacco Use Disorder as an addictive disorder will facilitate awareness among health professionals that patients with this condition should receive proper treatment that should be reimbursed by health insurance. This will reduce the health burden of tobacco use disorder, improve quality of life of individual patients and reduce societal health care costs.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.