Nicotine dependency is treated by administration of an
opioid antagonist. In some embodiments, rapid or ultra rapid detoxification techniques include using a combination of an effective amount of an
opioid antagonist such as
nalmefene, naloxone or
naltrexone or a mixture of any one of these, and either
clonidine or related compounds either while awake, or while under
sedation or
anesthesia, followed by continued administration of an effective amount of an
opioid antagonist with or without agents that enhance
nicotine dependency treatment. Persons are also treated for
nicotine dependency with more gradual detoxification methods using administration of a combination of an effective amount of an
opioid antagonist such as
nalmefene, naloxone,
naltrexone, or a mixture of any of these, and an effective amount of agents used to treat
nicotine withdrawal including nicotine, such as that delivered by a nicotine patch, nicotine
chewing gum, nicotine
inhaler or other methods for delivering nicotine, antidepressants and antianxiety agents, and / or
clonidine and related compounds. Administration of an effective amount of an
opioid antagonist to prevent relapse, attenuate craving, and reduce
weight gain during and
after treatment for nicotine dependency is continued in some embodiments.