Tobacco/nicotine use is the single greatest preventable cause of disease and premature death in America today.

Chronic nicotine use can increase sensitivity to pain and decrease pain tolerance over time. Nicotine has been found to interfere with the normal functioning of pain receptors in the brain, leading to alterations in pain processing and increased sensitivity to pain. This could potentially lead to opioid use.

Regular nicotine use can lead to the development of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and mood swings and has also been linked to an increased risk of developing other psychiatric disorders. Additionally, nicotine use can affect social interactions, relationships and social functioning, as individuals may prioritize nicotine use over other activities and relationships. Nicotine dependence can have serious consequences on an individual’s overall health and well-being.

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Objectives: As a result of attending, the learner will be better able to:

1. Recognize the factors behind nicotine use and its connection with chronic pain.
2. State the correlation between behavioral health and nicotine use.
3. Better understand how to implement a nicotine treatment program.
4. Access the Break the Chain of Nicotine Dependence Change Package (developed by Great Plains QIN).

Our Speakers:

Ed Larson, MA, CTTS
Tobacco Treatment Coordinator, Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo, North Dakota

Larson has worked for the Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo since 2007.He currently serves as the tobacco treatment coordinator and work to implement tobacco cessation within treatment for mental health and substance abuse; he also leads behavioral health groups and collaborates with agencies looking to establish tobacco treatment programs. Larson is originally from Edgeley, ND.

Molly Leis, MS, LADC, LPCC, CTTS
Nicotine Dependence Counselor, CTTS, at Mayo Clinic

Leis is currently a Nicotine Dependence Counselor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  She earned her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Winona State University. She is a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of Minnesota, and nationally Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health, behavioral, substance abuse, and developmental issues, in both residential and outpatient treatment settings in Wisconsin and Minnesota.