Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Overcoming Addiction: A Case Report on Tobacco Cessation in a Middle-Aged Man

Received: 27 September 2023     Accepted: 14 October 2023     Published: 30 October 2023
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Abstract

This case report delves into the intricate journey of MR, a 56-year-old individual deeply entrenched in the struggle to liberate himself from the shackles of a long-standing tobacco addiction. MR's life story is one marked by the persistent grip of nicotine, manifesting in a series of physical and psychological tribulations. Over the years, MR had grappled with irritability, a range of somatic complaints, and recurrent spells of despondency, all intricately interwoven with his compulsive smoking behaviour. Through a series of meticulous assessments, it became apparent that MR's nicotine dependence had escalated to severe levels, profoundly impacting various facets of his life. Unravelling the threads of his history, it was revealed that MR had first turned to smoking as a coping mechanism to navigate the challenging contours of his early adulthood, a coping mechanism that had unexpectedly transformed into a persistent and debilitating addiction. Despite enduring numerous attempts to break free from this deeply entrenched habit, MR found himself perpetually ensnared within a disheartening cycle, one that not only intensified his distress but also perpetuated a sense of profound isolation. Based on the diagnostic framework outlined in the DSM-5, MR was clinically diagnosed with Tobacco Use Disorder, with a particular emphasis on the intricate interplay between the physical and psychological dimensions of nicotine dependence. Central to the formulation of this case was an in-depth analysis of the negative core beliefs and automatic thoughts that perpetuated MR's reliance on smoking as a crutch. The treatment protocol devised for MR seamlessly integrated various evidence-based modalities, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, assertiveness training, and comprehensive relapse prevention strategies. In the short term, the therapeutic focus revolved around imparting essential psycho-education to MR and meticulously identifying the triggers that fuelled his dependence. Simultaneously, the long-term objectives centred on fostering a deep-seated commitment to pharmacological adherence and, ultimately, achieving a successful cessation of tobacco consumption. Emphasizing the critical importance of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations, this report underscores the indispensable need for a holistic, clinet centred approach to smoking cessation. By shedding light on the intricate challenges encountered by individuals ensnared within the clutches of nicotine addiction, this report advocates for a nuanced and empathetic framework that acknowledges the complex interplay between personal narratives and the physiological mechanisms underpinning addiction.

Published in International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Volume 8, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijpbs.20230804.11
Page(s) 33-41
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Tobacco Cessation, Nicotine Dependence, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dsm-5

References
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2021). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5thed. DSM-5TR.). Washington DC: Authors.
[2] Heatherton TF, Kozlowski LT, Frecker RC, Fagerstrom KO (1991). The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence: a revision of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. Br J Addict 86: 1119-27https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb01879.x
[3] Hoffman, M. A., Lent, R. W., & Raque-Bogdan, T. L. (2012). A Social Cognitive Perspective on Coping. The Counseling Psychologist, 41(2), 240–267. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000012461378
[4] Fiore, M. C., Jaén, C. R., Baker, T. B., Bailey, W. C., Benowitz, N. L., Curry, S. J.,... & Wewers, M. E. (2008). Treating tobacco use and dependence: 2008 update. Clinical Practice Guideline. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(5), 600-625.
[5] Heatherton, T. F., Kozlowski, L. T., Frecker, R. C., & Fagerstrom, K. O. (1991). The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence: a revision of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. British Journal of Addiction, 86(9), 1119-1127. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1991.tb01879.x
[6] Reddy, R. (2018). Tobacco use disorder: A comprehensive review. Addiction Research & Therapy, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-6105.1000361
[7] Smith, J. D., Niewoehner, E., Murthy, M., & Hays, J. T. (2016). The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence: A revision of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. Addiction, 111(7), 1176-1177. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13295
[8] Petersen, K. L., & Meyers, A. W. (2012). The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence: A brief, easy to administer tool for treatment planning and monitoring. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 37(6), 675-682. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12008
[9] Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 8(2), 132-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0020-7373(76)80020-6
[10] Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (1992). In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors. American Psychologist, 47(9), 1102-1114. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.47.9.1102
[11] DiClemente, C. C., Prochaska, J. O., Fairhurst, S. K., Velicer, W. F., Velasquez, M. M., & Rossi, J. S. (1991). The process of smoking cessation: An analysis of precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59(2), 295-304. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.59.2.295
[12] Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford press. Marlatt, G. A., & Gordon, J. R. (1985). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors.
[13] Guilford Press. Gollwitzer, P. M. (1999). Implementation intentions: Strong effects of simple plans. American Psychologist, 54(7), 493-503. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.54.7.493
[14] Rollnick, S., Miller, W. R., & Butler, C. C. (2008). Motivational interviewing in health care: Helping patients change behavior. Guilford Press.
[15] Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
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  • APA Style

    Muddsar Hameed, Grana Bangash. (2023). Overcoming Addiction: A Case Report on Tobacco Cessation in a Middle-Aged Man. International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 8(4), 33-41. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijpbs.20230804.11

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    ACS Style

    Muddsar Hameed; Grana Bangash. Overcoming Addiction: A Case Report on Tobacco Cessation in a Middle-Aged Man. Int. J. Psychol. Brain Sci. 2023, 8(4), 33-41. doi: 10.11648/j.ijpbs.20230804.11

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    AMA Style

    Muddsar Hameed, Grana Bangash. Overcoming Addiction: A Case Report on Tobacco Cessation in a Middle-Aged Man. Int J Psychol Brain Sci. 2023;8(4):33-41. doi: 10.11648/j.ijpbs.20230804.11

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ijpbs.20230804.11,
      author = {Muddsar Hameed and Grana Bangash},
      title = {Overcoming Addiction: A Case Report on Tobacco Cessation in a Middle-Aged Man},
      journal = {International Journal of Psychological and Brain Sciences},
      volume = {8},
      number = {4},
      pages = {33-41},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijpbs.20230804.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijpbs.20230804.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijpbs.20230804.11},
      abstract = {This case report delves into the intricate journey of MR, a 56-year-old individual deeply entrenched in the struggle to liberate himself from the shackles of a long-standing tobacco addiction. MR's life story is one marked by the persistent grip of nicotine, manifesting in a series of physical and psychological tribulations. Over the years, MR had grappled with irritability, a range of somatic complaints, and recurrent spells of despondency, all intricately interwoven with his compulsive smoking behaviour. Through a series of meticulous assessments, it became apparent that MR's nicotine dependence had escalated to severe levels, profoundly impacting various facets of his life. Unravelling the threads of his history, it was revealed that MR had first turned to smoking as a coping mechanism to navigate the challenging contours of his early adulthood, a coping mechanism that had unexpectedly transformed into a persistent and debilitating addiction. Despite enduring numerous attempts to break free from this deeply entrenched habit, MR found himself perpetually ensnared within a disheartening cycle, one that not only intensified his distress but also perpetuated a sense of profound isolation. Based on the diagnostic framework outlined in the DSM-5, MR was clinically diagnosed with Tobacco Use Disorder, with a particular emphasis on the intricate interplay between the physical and psychological dimensions of nicotine dependence. Central to the formulation of this case was an in-depth analysis of the negative core beliefs and automatic thoughts that perpetuated MR's reliance on smoking as a crutch. The treatment protocol devised for MR seamlessly integrated various evidence-based modalities, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, assertiveness training, and comprehensive relapse prevention strategies. In the short term, the therapeutic focus revolved around imparting essential psycho-education to MR and meticulously identifying the triggers that fuelled his dependence. Simultaneously, the long-term objectives centred on fostering a deep-seated commitment to pharmacological adherence and, ultimately, achieving a successful cessation of tobacco consumption. Emphasizing the critical importance of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations, this report underscores the indispensable need for a holistic, clinet centred approach to smoking cessation. By shedding light on the intricate challenges encountered by individuals ensnared within the clutches of nicotine addiction, this report advocates for a nuanced and empathetic framework that acknowledges the complex interplay between personal narratives and the physiological mechanisms underpinning addiction.
    },
     year = {2023}
    }
    

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    AB  - This case report delves into the intricate journey of MR, a 56-year-old individual deeply entrenched in the struggle to liberate himself from the shackles of a long-standing tobacco addiction. MR's life story is one marked by the persistent grip of nicotine, manifesting in a series of physical and psychological tribulations. Over the years, MR had grappled with irritability, a range of somatic complaints, and recurrent spells of despondency, all intricately interwoven with his compulsive smoking behaviour. Through a series of meticulous assessments, it became apparent that MR's nicotine dependence had escalated to severe levels, profoundly impacting various facets of his life. Unravelling the threads of his history, it was revealed that MR had first turned to smoking as a coping mechanism to navigate the challenging contours of his early adulthood, a coping mechanism that had unexpectedly transformed into a persistent and debilitating addiction. Despite enduring numerous attempts to break free from this deeply entrenched habit, MR found himself perpetually ensnared within a disheartening cycle, one that not only intensified his distress but also perpetuated a sense of profound isolation. Based on the diagnostic framework outlined in the DSM-5, MR was clinically diagnosed with Tobacco Use Disorder, with a particular emphasis on the intricate interplay between the physical and psychological dimensions of nicotine dependence. Central to the formulation of this case was an in-depth analysis of the negative core beliefs and automatic thoughts that perpetuated MR's reliance on smoking as a crutch. The treatment protocol devised for MR seamlessly integrated various evidence-based modalities, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, assertiveness training, and comprehensive relapse prevention strategies. In the short term, the therapeutic focus revolved around imparting essential psycho-education to MR and meticulously identifying the triggers that fuelled his dependence. Simultaneously, the long-term objectives centred on fostering a deep-seated commitment to pharmacological adherence and, ultimately, achieving a successful cessation of tobacco consumption. Emphasizing the critical importance of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations, this report underscores the indispensable need for a holistic, clinet centred approach to smoking cessation. By shedding light on the intricate challenges encountered by individuals ensnared within the clutches of nicotine addiction, this report advocates for a nuanced and empathetic framework that acknowledges the complex interplay between personal narratives and the physiological mechanisms underpinning addiction.
    
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Author Information
  • Department of Clinical Psychology, Shifa Tamer e Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan

  • Department of Clinical Psychology, Shifa Tamer e Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan

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