Nicotine Moral Model

The model to best explain nicotine/tobacco addiction would be the moral model. The moral model states that addiction is a choice and can be the result of lack of willpower, with nicotine products sold legally in the U.S. they are more readily available than other schedule drugs. Nevertheless, the pregnant women must remain vigilant in deciding not to smoke or use products containing nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance with minor withdraw symptoms and abuse can be stopped easier than most other substances. Nicotine users also have more affordable and over the counter treatment options than any other drug user, the only thing getting between the user and the cessation of the addiction is the lack of willpower to make the choice to stop.

There are however effective intervention and treatment options still available that may be offered by the attending ob-gyn or physician upon the willingness of the pregnant woman.

At an initial prenatal visit with a doctor they will go over a brief screening with the pregnant woman to find out if there is any AOD use. After the screening comes back positive for nicotine use the doctor will offer the five A’s intervention method for those dedicated to the cessation of nicotine and tobacco products.

The five A’s intervention steps include;

1. Asking how many, how much, and when to better understand the addiction level

2. Advising the patient to stop the use and educate them on the short and long term consequences of use

3. Assessing the woman’s readiness to quit

4. Assisting the women who are ready to stop use with self-help tools and support

5. Arranging for follow up meetings to continue monitoring the progress and to track progress (Fiore, et al.,