 |
|
Damage to specific part of the brain may make smokers 'forget' to smoke
January 29, 2007Preliminary research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health, has found that some smokers with damage to a part of the brain called the insula may have their addiction to nicotine practically eliminated. The study is published in the January 26, 2007 issue of the journal Science.
"The researchers found that smokers with insula lesions were 136 times more likely to have their addiction to nicotine erased than smokers with other brain injuries," says NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow. "Research that identifies a way to alter the function of this area could have major implications for smokers and addiction treatment in general."
Dr. Antoine Bechara of the University of Southern California and his colleagues identified 19 smokers who had experienced some degree of brain damage, resulting in lesions on the insula. Of these, 13 quit smoking. The scientists also identified 50 smokers whose brain injuries did not include damage to the insula. Of these, 19 quit smoking.
The scientists recognized that individuals from both groups—those with damage to the insula or damage to other brain regions—were able to quit smoking. However, some smokers experienced a greater ease in quitting. The scientists developed four behavioral criteria for determining who fell into this group; those who reported: (1) quitting smoking less than one day after the brain injury; (2) their difficulty of quitting was less than three on a scale of one to seven; (3) that they did not smoke again after quitting; and (4) no urge to smoke since quitting.
The researchers found that twelve of the 13 participants who quit smoking following damage to their insula met these criteria as compared to only four of 19 participants who quit smoking after sustaining damage to other brain areas.
"Participants with damage to the insula were overwhelmingly more likely to experience a true disruption of the urge to smoke, characterized by an almost immediate cessation of smoking with no reported struggles to maintain their abstinence," said Dr. Bechara. "We know that the insula plays a role in the desire to smoke by anticipating physical effects brought on by emotions such as those induced by environmental cues. Thus, damage to the insula could lead smokers to feel that their bodies have 'forgotten' the urge to smoke."
"Cigarette smoking is the most common preventable cause of illness and death in the modern world, and it is an addictive behavior," says Dr. Volkow. "While additional research is needed to replicate these findings, the current study suggests that damage to the insula can impact the conscious 'urge' to smoke, making it easier for smokers to quit and remain abstinent. Medications that target receptors within the insula may offer promise in developing more effective smoking cessation therapies in the future."
NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse
The scientists recognized that individuals from both groups—those with damage to the insula or damage to other brain regions—were able to quit smoking. However, some smokers experienced a greater ease in quitting. The scientists developed four behavioral criteria for determining who fell into this group; those who reported: (1) quitting smoking less than one day after the brain injury; (2) their difficulty of quitting was less than three on a scale of one to seven; (3) that they did not smoke again after quitting; and (4) no urge to smoke since quitting.
The researchers found that twelve of the 13 participants who quit smoking following damage to their insula met these criteria as compared to only four of 19 participants who quit smoking after sustaining damage to other brain areas.
"Participants with damage to the insula were overwhelmingly more likely to experience a true disruption of the urge to smoke, characterized by an almost immediate cessation of smoking with no reported struggles to maintain their abstinence," said Dr. Bechara. "We know that the insula plays a role in the desire to smoke by anticipating physical effects brought on by emotions such as those induced by environmental cues. Thus, damage to the insula could lead smokers to feel that their bodies have 'forgotten' the urge to smoke."
"Cigarette smoking is the most common preventable cause of illness and death in the modern world, and it is an addictive behavior," says Dr. Volkow. "While additional research is needed to replicate these findings, the current study suggests that damage to the insula can impact the conscious 'urge' to smoke, making it easier for smokers to quit and remain abstinent. Medications that target receptors within the insula may offer promise in developing more effective smoking cessation therapies in the future."
NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse
Smoking Current Events and Smoking News RSSWomen Can Quit Smoking and Control Weight Gain
Many women don't quit smoking because they are afraid of gaining weight. That's because nicotine suppresses the appetite and boosts a smoker's metabolism.
Cigarettes Harbor Many Bacteria Harmful to Human Health
Cigarettes are "widely contaminated" with bacteria, including some known to cause disease in people, concludes a new international study conducted by a University of Maryland environmental health researcher and microbial ecologists at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France.
Study raises concerns about outdoor second-hand smoke
Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers at bars and restaurants onto outdoor patios, but a new University of Georgia study in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that these outdoor smoking areas might be creating a new health hazard.
Early end to key study on benefits of niacin, a B vitamin, in keeping arteries open was premature
Heart experts at Johns Hopkins are calling premature the early halt of a study by researchers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, with cholesterol-lowering statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing.
Athletes on performance enhancers more likely to abuse alcohol, other drugs
College athletes who use performance-enhancing substances may be at heightened risk of misusing alcohol and using recreational drugs as well, according to new research in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
90 percent of Africans are not protected by smoke-free laws
As African nations are poised to undergo the highest increase in the rate of tobacco use among developing countries, nearly 90 percent of people on the continent remain without meaningful protection from secondhand smoke, according to a new report released at a regional cancer conference today.
Workplace BPA exposure increases risk of male sexual dysfunction
High levels of workplace exposure to Bisphenol-A may increase the risk of reduced sexual function in men, according to a Kaiser Permanente study appearing in the journal Human Reproduction, published by Oxford Journals.
Exposure to several common infections over time may be associated with risk of stroke
Cumulative exposure to five common infection-causing pathogens may be associated with an increased risk of stroke, according to a report posted online today that will appear in the January 2010 print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Carnegie Mellon researchers link health-care debate to risk of dying in US and Europe
The current health care debate in the United States is complicated. Trade-offs between heath care expenditures, lifestyle choices and life expectancy have been suggested but seldom clearly demonstrated.
Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion
The loss of a gene through deletion of genetic material on chromosome 15 is associated with significant abnormalities in learning and behavior, said a consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) in a report that appears online today in the journal Nature Genetics.
More Smoking Current Events and Smoking News Articles
 |
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Non-Smokers Using Allen Carr's Easyway Method by Allen Carr (Author) A new edition of the revolutionary bestseller, with four million copies in print. Allen Carr’s innovative Easyway method—which he discovered after his own 100-cigarette-a-day habit nearly drove him to despair—has helped millions kick smoking without feeling anxious and deprived. That’s because he helps smokers discover the psychological reasons behind their dependency, explains in detail how to handle the withdrawal symptoms, shows them how to avoid situations when temptation might become too strong, and enables them to stay smoke-free. Carr discusses such issues as nicotine addiction; the social “brainwashing” that encourages smoking; the false belief that a cigarette relieves stress; the role boredom plays in sabotaging efforts to stop; and the main reasons for failure. With... |
 |
Smoking Food: A Beginner's Guide by Chris Dubbs (Author), Dave Heberle (Author) Everything you need to know about home smoking. In Smoking Food, Chris Dubbs and Dave Heberle assure us that smoking is an art, not a science, and they fearlessly reveal that art's essentials—and how simple they can be. They explain how to choose the best fuels (you can use corncobs!), how to build smokers from old refrigerators and cardboard boxes, and, of course, how to smoke everything from turkeys to turtles. Their advice is as ingenious and cost-conscious as any given by Alton Brown. Aware of the needs and wants of the modern cook, they include low-sodium preparations, alternatives to preservatives like sodium nitrite, and thoughts on safely handling meat. With more than one hundred recipes and tips for making brines, marinades, cheeses, appetizers, soups, and main dishes,... |
 |
LifeSign QuitKey Smoking Cessation Computer by LifeSign QuitKey alters your smoking routine and eases you off cigarettes gradually. QuitKey reminds you when to smoke and when not to smoke. Step by step. Hour by hour. One day at a time. The QuitKey approach to quit smoking culminates 20 years of research. It was developed and proven effective with grants from the National Institutes of Health and builds on the enormous success of LifeSign, a first generation smoking cessation computer that uses the same gradual reduction technology. QuitKey works in two stages. Stage 1 (7 days): You smoke at your normal rate and use the QuitKey smoke button to record every cigarette you smoke. QuitKey uses this information to form your personal quit plan. Stage 2 (14 to 34 days): QuitKey helps you follow your quit plan by prompting you when to... |
 |
Brand New in Box Classic Tobacco Smoking Pipe by Sandra This is a beautiful smoking pipe. It is detachable into three pieces for easy cleaning. The pipe includes replacement auxiliary rubber rings, which are used to seal the detachment and one filter. This is the perfect gift for yourself or a beloved pipe smoker. Very old style, vintage type pipe. Small holes in bowl head allow for even smoke distribution with no need for a screen. Anti clog mouth peace will ensure you are ready to smoke at a moments notice! |
 |
Mastering the Craft of Smoking Food by Warren R. Anderson (Author) Here is an exceptionally complete guide to making real smoked food at home that tastes far better than commercially made products. |
 |
Smoking (My Health) by Alvin Silverstein (Author), Virginia B. Silverstein (Author), Laura Silverstein Nunn (Author) Explains exactly how smoking harms the body and how to break the habit, or avoid it altogether. |
 |
Smoking Everywhere 3.0 Gold 16mg High Mint Cartridge 5-Pack by Smoking Everywhere |
 |
Thank You for Smoking (Widescreen Edition) Starring: Joan Lunden, Eric Haberman, Aaron Eckhart, Mary Jo Smith, Todd Louiso Directed By: Jason Reitman WARNING: Thank You For Smoking "just might make you laugh your head off!" (MAXIM). Aaron Eckhart stars as Nick Naylor, a sexy, charismatic spin-doctor for Big Tobacco who'll fight to protect America's right to smoke -- even if it kills him -- while still remaining a role model for his 12-year old son. When he incurs the wrath of a senator (William H. Macy) bent on snuffing out cigarettes, Nick's powers of "filtering the truth" will be put to the test. As Nick says, "If you want an easy job, go work for the Red Cross." |
 |
How To Quit Smoking Even If You Don't Want To by Barbara Miller (Author) People often say, "I am not ready to quit smoking." This book gives you a step by step plan that will show you how to get ready to quit. Quitting smoking is like going into battle. With this plan in place you will be ready to win! You will learn how to develop your will power and tap into an incredible source of "Self-Power." This plan shows you exactly what to do. It is textbook format with ten brainstorming exercises you must do. People who smoke are often on "auto-pilot-thinking." This plan interupts the "auto-pilot" and shows you how to re-write the script. It is true, you do not have to want to quit smoking but you do have to want to change something about how you make decisions. It is not complicated. As a matter of fact it is all very easy. By doing the exercises... |
 |
Mens XMAS Costume Hugh Hefner Holiday Smoking Jacket L Adult Large (Up to 44) by Devilish Disguise Deck the halls in this Hugh Hefner holiday smoking jacket! This Item Includes Jacket, Hat, Pipe |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |