Tobacco use, treatment strategies, and pharmacological adjuncts: an overview.

The suggested hazards of tobacco use were enumerated shortly after its introduction to Europe in the 16th century. At the same time its presumed virtue as a general purpose medicament was extolled (Ray 1972). Since then the proponents and opponents of tobacco use have vigorously debated their positions. Ample evidence of potential harm has accumulated indicating disease conditions correlated with tobacco use. These data have been presented in many scientific articles and in the summaries provided by the Surgeon Generals' Reports between 1964 and 1984.