Nicotine dependence in the United States has reached a 15-year high, with nearly 75 percent of people currently seeking tobacco-dependence treatment categorized as highly nicotine dependent, according to a new research presented at the annual meeting of American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).

The researchers reported that nicotine dependence severity has increased 12 percent between 1989 and 2006 in the United States, while the proportion of people classified as highly nicotine dependent has increased 32 percent.

Although the study identified a definite increase in tobacco dependence, the reason for this increase is still unclear.

Smokers who are highly addicted to nicotine may not even realize they are addicted but see their tobacco use as a "bad habit," and, consequently, never attempt smoking cessation or try to quit on their own, said the analysis.

"Many factors can identify someone as highly nicotine-addicted; however, as a quick 'bedside' test, if you light up your first cigarette within the first 30 minutes of awakening, you are most likely highly nicotine dependent," said lead investigator David Sachs.

The results of the study suggest that more individualized tobacco-dependent treatments are needed to address the increase in addiction severity.

The investigators suggest that physicians may need to increase pharmacologic doses and duration of medication use, try different combinations of pharmacotherapy, and place more emphasis on minimizing withdrawal symptoms in order to avoid treatment failure.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2008)