Section: Module 3: Understanding the Neurobiology and Pathophysiology of Nicotine Addiction & Withdrawal | Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Use | NextGenU.org

  • Competency covered in this module:   
    • Explain the societal and environmental factors that promote and inhibit the spread of tobacco use and dependence.
    • Understand personal and family health risks associated with tobacco use.
    • Explain the risks of tobacco use, including its effect on cancer, oral disease, and the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
    • Be aware of the beneficial effects of quitting at all ages in terms of overall health, reduced risk of disease, and personal/social issues.
    • Explain the benefits of quitting smoking for each major age group.
    • Understand the basic principles of patient-centered counseling.
    • Define each affective objective and associated questions in the 5 A’s for tobacco treatment (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange follow-up).
    • Demonstrate the application of system-based practice/practice-based learning that follows the 2000 Public Health Service guidelines.
    • Identify evidence-based treatment strategies and the pros and cons of each strategy.
    • Describe the benefits of combining pharmacotherapy and counseling.
    • Module 3: Lesson 1: Mechanisms Tobacco Use Disorder
       
      Student Learning Outcomes:

      Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

      • Define and discuss the concept of nicotine addiction.
      • Explain the process of how tobacco use disorder develops over time.
      • Describe the neurophysiological changes associated with tobacco use disorder.
      • Analyze the implications of these changes for the onset and progression of tobacco use disorder.
      • Explain how nicotine interacts with the nervous system on a molecular level.
      • Discuss the role of genetics in nicotine addiction.

      Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this module: 3 hours and 20 minutes.

       
      Required Learning Resources and Activities
    • Read the abstract, introduction/background, discussion, and conclusion. (15 minutes)

      Journal of Pharmacopuncture - 2020

    • Read the entire chapter. (70 minutes)

      Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Assess the Science Base for Tobacco Harm Reduction - 2001

    • Read the abstract, introduction/background, discussion, and conclusion. (45 minutes)

      Molecular Neuropsychiatry - 2018

    • Read the abstract, introduction/background, discussion, and conclusion. (15 minutes)

      Journal of Pharmacopuncture - 2020

    • Read the abstract, introduction/background, discussion, and conclusion. (55 minutes)

      European Journal of Neuroscience - 2018

    • Module 3: Lesson 2: Nicotine Withdrawal: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
       
      Student Learning Outcomes:

      Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

      • Describe the physiological changes that occur during nicotine withdrawal.
      • Explain how these changes contribute to the symptoms and challenges of nicotine withdrawal.
      • Describe the primary clinical manifestations of nicotine withdrawal.
      • Explain the typical course and evolution of nicotine withdrawal.

      Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this module: 2 hours and 41 minutes.

       
      Required Learning Resources and Activities
    • Read the abstract, introduction/background, discussion, and conclusion. (20 minutes)

      Journal of Applied Science - 2021

    • Read the web content and watch the two videos. (11 minutes)

      Quit Victoria - 2023

    • Read the abstract, introduction/background, discussion, and conclusion. (60 minutes)

      Journal of Neuropharmacology - 2014

    • In this activity, you will create an educational tool about the addictive properties of tobacco and withdrawal for future patients.

      Step 1: Select your preferred format/media to create your educational tool. You can create a slideshow (PowerPoint presentation), a piece of writing in a blog format (with pictures included), a trifold, a video, or an infographic for social media, etc.

      Step 2: Develop a tool that explains the effects of tobacco use including its addictive properties and the physiological effects of withdrawal on patients.

      You must consider:

      • The tool's clarity and accuracy in explaining the addictive properties of tobacco.
      • The tool's effectiveness in describing the physiological effects of withdrawal.
      • The appropriateness of the content for prospective patients.
      • The creativity and usability of the tool in real-world settings.

      Step 3: Share your work on the course's designated discussion area for learners to view and discuss. To do this, click “add a new discussion topic” below, complete the fields, and paste a link to your product. If you want your work to be published on our website and social media, please specify this in your forum post description.

      Step 4: Although not required, you are encouraged to review and discuss the works of your fellow learners. This is a great way to learn from each other and improve your own work.

      OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

      If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”

    • To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the attempt quiz button to view the case studies and respond to the questions.

      TO PASS THIS QUIZ YOU MUST OBTAIN A SCORE OF 80%.

    • Recommended Additional Readings