Changing perceptions
Nicotine dependence involves heavy consumption, intolerance
to change, and symptoms of withdrawal if abstinence
occurs. Given the potency of nicotine, mental health
nurses must begin to view cigarette smoking as a form of
drug addiction deserving the same measure of attention as
other addictive drugs such as marijuana or heroin. In so
doing, they begin to change their perception of cigarette
smoking from a widely accepted and largely ignored
activity, to one that requires intervention and attempts at
modification.