Is Smokeless Tobacco a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

Abstract

For several years, smokeless tobacco has been promoted as a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. A massive ad campaign has resulted in an alarming increase in use in recent years. Recent evidence has related the use of smokeless tobacco to oral and pharyngeal cancers as well as other gum and tooth disorders. The habit-forming properties of smokeless tobacco are similar to those found with other tobacco products. A double standard is apparent when the use of smokeless tobacco is condoned. There is an implied acceptance of the use of this potentially dangerous, but legal, psychoactive substance. This article is a review and commentary about the status of this growing drug problem.