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Nicotine Addiction Treatment
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for Nicotine Addiction at ACE Medical in Sunnyvale, CA
Nicotine addiction—whether from cigarettes, vaping, chewing tobacco, or nicotine pouches—is one of the most common and persistent addictions in the U.S. Many individuals in Sunnyvale, CA, as well as neighboring communities such as Mountain View, Cupertino, and Santa Clara, try multiple times to quit before finding lasting success. You may feel frustrated, ashamed, or worried about your health, especially if quitting feels harder than you expected.
At ACE Medical, an addiction medicine practice based in Sunnyvale, we understand how powerful nicotine dependence can be. The good news is that Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT)—using FDA-approved medications and personalized behavioral support—consistently helps people quit tobacco and nicotine products more effectively than going “cold turkey.”
Our approach is supportive, science-driven, and always judgment-free. We help you reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, and build real confidence in your ability to quit.
What is nicotine addiction, and why is it so difficult to quit?
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that rapidly affects the brain’s dopamine reward pathways. Over time, your brain learns to link nicotine with:
Stress relief
Emotional comfort
Concentration
Routine or habit cues
Temporary mood elevation
This leads to dependence, making quitting feel emotionally and physically challenging.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Cravings
Irritability
Anxiety
Trouble focusing
Restlessness
Increased appetite
Sleep changes
These symptoms are normal—they are not a reflection of willpower.
Nicotine addiction is a medical condition, and like any other addiction, it benefits from medical treatment.
What is MAT for nicotine addiction?
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for nicotine addiction includes FDA-approved medications that:
Reduce cravings
Reduce withdrawal symptoms
Make nicotine products less rewarding
Help prevent relapse
Increase long-term quit success rates
MAT is safe, widely used, and recommended by major medical organizations for people who want to quit nicotine.
At ACE Medical, MAT is customized based on your nicotine use patterns, health history, and personal goals.
Why is MAT so effective for nicotine addiction?
Research shows that MAT is more effective than quitting without support. Studies demonstrate that FDA-approved medications:
Double to triple quit rates compared to no medication[1–3]
Reduce withdrawal intensity and irritability[2,3]
Improve long-term abstinence rates[1–4]
Decrease relapse, even for heavy users or those who’ve failed previous quit attempts[2–5]
Nicotine addiction changes the brain—MAT helps rebalance it so quitting becomes manageable, not miserable.
What medications does ACE Medical use for nicotine addiction treatment?
ACE Medical offers a full range of evidence-based, FDA-approved medications for tobacco and nicotine cessation. Options may include:
1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Includes:
Nicotine patches
Gum
Lozenges
Nicotine inhalers*
Nicotine nasal spray*
(*Prescription forms)
NRT gradually releases controlled amounts of nicotine to:
Decrease cravings
Reduce withdrawal symptoms
Break the behavioral habit of smoking or vaping
Combination therapy—such as a patch + gum/lozenge—is often most effective.[2]
2. Varenicline (Chantix®)
One of the most effective medications for smoking cessation.
Benefits include:
Reduces cravings
Blocks nicotine receptors
Makes smoking less satisfying
Improves quit rates even in long-term smokers[3,4]
Varenicline is considered a first-line treatment for nicotine addiction.
3. Bupropion SR (Zyban®)
Originally an antidepressant, bupropion also:
Reduces withdrawal
Lowers cravings
Helps prevent weight gain after quitting
Supports mood during the quitting process
Especially helpful for individuals with co-occurring depression or anxiety.[3]
4. Combination Therapies
Research shows that combining medications—such as varenicline + NRT or bupropion + NRT—can boost success rates for people with heavier dependence or repeated quit failures.[4,5]
At ACE Medical, we design combination plans only when appropriate and safe.
Are these medications safe?
Yes. All MAT medications for nicotine addiction are FDA-approved and widely studied.
Side effects are generally mild and may include:
Temporary sleep disturbance
Vivid dreams (mainly with varenicline)
Mild headache
Dry mouth
Skin irritation (patch)
We evaluate your full medical history to choose the safest and most effective option.
How does ACE Medical treat nicotine addiction in Sunnyvale, CA?
Our treatment includes a comprehensive, supportive plan tailored to your unique needs.
1. Medical Evaluation
We review:
Smoking/vaping history
Triggers and stressors
Withdrawal patterns
Mental health history
Past quit attempts
Motivation and goals
2. Personalized MAT Plan
We select medications that match:
Your nicotine dependence level
Your health profile
Your lifestyle and preferences
Your previous quit experiences
3. Behavioral Support
We incorporate:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for cravings
Stress-reduction strategies
Habit-replacement techniques
Emotional support
Relapse-proofing strategies
4. Follow-Ups & Medication Adjustment
We monitor:
Craving levels
Triggers
Medication response
Withdrawal symptoms
Stress and mood
Your plan evolves as you gain confidence and momentum.
Does MAT replace willpower or behavioral support?
No. MAT supports your willpower—it doesn’t replace it.
Think of MAT as giving your brain space to breathe. It helps quiet cravings so that:
You can focus
You feel less overwhelmed
You stay motivated
You make consistent progress
Behavioral support strengthens your coping tools, while medication stabilizes your brain chemistry.
Together, they create the strongest foundation for quitting.
Who is a good candidate for MAT for nicotine addiction?
MAT may be right for you if you:
Have tried to quit multiple times
Feel overwhelmed by cravings
Smoke or vape daily
Wake up craving nicotine
Use nicotine to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom
Want a medical, structured approach to quitting
Prefer a nonjudgmental physician in Sunnyvale or Santa Clara County
Want a plan that feels manageable—not intimidating
MAT is appropriate for adults of most ages, including long-term smokers and individuals transitioning away from vaping.
When should I contact ACE Medical for help?
Reach out if:
You're ready to quit but don't know where to start
You’ve tried quitting but relapsed
You feel embarrassed or discouraged
You want a science-backed, compassionate team
You want a personalized plan that actually works
You want care close to home in Sunnyvale, CA
A consultation is simply a conversation. You don’t have to commit—you just have to take the first step.
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References:
1. Fiore MC et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: Clinical Practice Guideline.
2. Stead LF et al. Nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation.
3. Cahill K et al. Pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation (varenicline & bupropion).
4. Smith SS et al. Combined varenicline and nicotine patch therapy studies.
5. Piper ME et al. Research on combination pharmacotherapy for tobacco dependence.
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1287 Hammerwood Avenue
Sunnyvale, California 94089
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