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The first clue to the solution is: Substance in tobacco reinforces addiction (4)

It may be a hidden word in the clue, i.e. CORE. But I cannot parse it. Is it indeed CORE or could be something else?

The second clue is: Bare-backed in abbreviated underwear (4)

I cannot figure out what it can be, but the last letter is the same as the last letter of the first clue.

Anyone can help, please?

The second one is NUDE, obviously meaning "bare" and is "backed", i.e. reversed in "abbreviatED UNderwear" .

Core is a synonym of substance

Nude is the other answer it’s hidden in reverse- first two letters of underwear and lay two of abbreviated

I'm sure Core and Nude are correct, but I don't like 'addiction' in the first clue, it seems to have no purpose.

I also think you're correct with CORE, as in gist or substance.

Great. Thanks everybody for the unlocking the clues.

I think it is for better surface reading. Which was why I was unsure at first until the explanations here. And I realise it is for better surface reading.

Sorry. I meant to reply to malone's post.

Yes, Nimus, I could see it (addiction) helping with the surface reading - but that's the only reason for it being there. Some clues, the best ones, have no superfluous words!