 |
|
Research reveals why some smokers become addicted with their first cigarette
August 06, 2008New research from The University of Western Ontario reveals how the brain processes the 'rewarding' and addictive properties of nicotine, providing a better understanding of why some people seemingly become hooked with their first smoke. The research, led by Steven Laviolette of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry could lead to new therapies to prevent nicotine dependence and to treat nicotine withdrawal when smokers try to quit. The paper is published in the August 6th Journal of Neuroscience.
"Nicotine interacts with a variety of neurochemical pathways within the brain to produce its rewarding and addictive effects," explains Laviolette. "However, during the early phase of tobacco exposure, many individuals find nicotine highly unpleasant and aversive, whereas others may become rapidly dependent on nicotine and find it highly rewarding. We wanted to explore that difference."
The researchers found one brain pathway in particular uses the neurotransmitter 'dopamine' to transmit signals related to nicotine's rewarding properties. This pathway is called the 'mesolimbic' dopamine system and is involved in the addictive properties of many drugs of abuse, including cocaine, alcohol and nicotine.
"While much progress has been made in understanding how the brain processes the rewarding effects of nicotine after the dependence is established, very little is known about how the mesolimbic dopamine system may control the initial vulnerability to nicotine; that is, why do some individuals become quickly addicted to nicotine while others do not, and in some cases, even find nicotine to be highly aversive."
The scientists identified which specific dopamine receptor subtype controlled the brain's initial sensitivity to nicotine's rewarding and addictive properties and were able to manipulate these receptors to control whether the nicotine is processed as rewarding or aversive.
"Importantly, our findings may explain an individual's vulnerability to nicotine addiction, and may point to new pharmacological treatments for the prevention of it, and the treatment of nicotine withdrawal," says Laviolette. The research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation.
University of Western Ontario
"While much progress has been made in understanding how the brain processes the rewarding effects of nicotine after the dependence is established, very little is known about how the mesolimbic dopamine system may control the initial vulnerability to nicotine; that is, why do some individuals become quickly addicted to nicotine while others do not, and in some cases, even find nicotine to be highly aversive."
The scientists identified which specific dopamine receptor subtype controlled the brain's initial sensitivity to nicotine's rewarding and addictive properties and were able to manipulate these receptors to control whether the nicotine is processed as rewarding or aversive.
"Importantly, our findings may explain an individual's vulnerability to nicotine addiction, and may point to new pharmacological treatments for the prevention of it, and the treatment of nicotine withdrawal," says Laviolette. The research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation.
University of Western Ontario
Nicotine Current Events and Nicotine News RSSCrushing cigarettes in a virtual reality environment reduces tobacco addiction
Smokers who crushed computer-simulated cigarettes as part of a psychosocial treatment program in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence than smokers participating in the same program who grasped a computer-simulated ball.
Smoking gun: just 1 cigarette has harmful effect on the arteries of young healthy adults
Even one cigarette has serious adverse effects on young adults, according to research presented by Dr. Stella Daskalopoulou at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
Cancer survivors may not be getting the help they need to stop smoking
More than a quarter of cancer survivors who still smoke have not been advised to quit smoking by their health care providers in the last year, according to a study published by researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center in the current issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Nation's leading experts on substance abuse outline new research agenda
With substance abuse now accounting for one in 14 hospital admissions and generating billions in health care costs, leading scientists held a briefing on Capitol Hill today to present the evidence that we already have and the evidence we need in treating and preventing the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Curcumin may inhibit nicotine-induced activation of head and neck cancers
Curcumin, the compound that gives curry powder its yellow/orange color, may inhibit the adverse effects of nicotine in patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke.
Lung cancer risk increases with expression of specific genes
A recent study published in the October 2009 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology determined that variations of specific genetic markers identified in previous research, or SNPs, may indicate a greater lung cancer risk in African Americans than in whites.
Anti-smoking law helps waiters to quit smoking
Researchers from the Catalan Institute of Oncology have studied the impact of the law banning smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants on those working in these places.
Poor money saving linked to general impulsiveness
Financial imprudence is linked to other impulsive behaviour such as overeating, smoking and infidelity, according to a new study led by UCL researchers, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
It pays to quit smoking before surgery
People who start nicotine replacement therapy at least four weeks before surgery can halve their risk of poor wound healing. This is what the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) concludes in information published on informedhealthonline.org today.
New study expands the list of hazardous chemicals in smokeless tobacco
Attention all smokeless tobacco users! It's time to banish the comforting notion that snuff and chewing tobacco are safe because they don't burn and produce inhalable smoke like cigarettes.
More Nicotine Current Events and Nicotine News Articles
 |
NicoDerm CQ STEP 1 - 3 Week Kit - 21 Clear Nicotine Patches by Nicoderm NicoDerm CQ is a small clear nicotine patch. When you put on a NicoDermCQ patch, nicotine passes through the skin and into your body. NicoDerm CQ patch is very thin and uses special material to control how fast nicotine passes through the skin. Unlike the sudden jolts of nicotine delivered by cigarettes, the amount of nicotine you receive remains relatively smooth throughout the 24 or 16 hour period you wear the NicoDerm CQ patch. This helps to reduce cravings you may have for nicotine. Smoking cessation and stop smoking aids. |
 |
(1) Habitrol Nicotine Gum 1 Box MINT Flavour 4mg - 96 Pieces in each box by Novartis Habitrol Gum helps you give up smoking by alleviating the unpleasant symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms can include headaches, sweating, irritability, anxiety and mood swings. They are often a disincentive to quit smoking. When you chew Habitrol Gum, small amounts of nicotine become released and are absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This provides the smoker with a controlled way to satisfy the body's craving for nicotine. Habitrol Gum provides a flexible, convenient course of treatment for smokers who want to quit. Each pack contains 96 pieces of gum. It comes in either 2mg or 4mg strength in both mint or fruit flavour. Follow the recommended chewing technique of chewing and 'parking' the gum in the side of the mouth to ensure its efficiency. If you... |
 |
Commit Lozenges , 4 mg, 72-Count (Mint) by Commit To Increase your success in quitting 1. You must be motivated to quit. 2. Use at least 9 lozenges of Commit per day during the first six weeks 3. Use Commit for the full 12 weeks 4. Use with a support program as directed in the enclosed User's Guide This 4mg product is for those who smoke their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up. |
 |
Nicorette Coated Gum 4mg, 100 pieces (Fresh Mint) by Nicorette For those who smoke less than 25 cigarettes a day. Each piece contains: calcium (94 mg), sodium (13 mg). |
 |
Nicorette Nicotine Polacrilex Gum, 4 mg, Fruit Chill, 100-Count Box by Nicorette Nicorette Nicotine Gum is bursting with cool fruit flavor, and designed for people who smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day. Each piece contains 94 milligrams of calcium and 13 milligrams of sodium. |
 |
NicoDerm CQ STEP 2 - 3 Week Kit - 21 Clear Nicotine Patches by NicoDerm NicoDerm CQ is a small clear nicotine patch. When you put on a NicoDermCQ patch, nicotine passes through the skin and into your body. NicoDerm CQ patch is very thin and uses special material to control how fast nicotine passes through the skin. Unlike the sudden jolts of nicotine delivered by cigarettes, the amount of nicotine you receive remains relatively smooth throughout the 24 or 16 hour period you wear the NicoDerm CQ patch. This helps to reduce cravings you may have for nicotine. Smoking cessation and stop smoking aids. |
 |
Habitrol Nicotine Quit Smoking Gum, 2mg, Fruit flavor coated gum. 96 pieces per box by Novartis Habitrol Gum helps you give up smoking by alleviating the unpleasant symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms can include headaches, sweating, irritability, anxiety and mood swings. They are often a disincentive to quit smoking. When you chew Habitrol Gum, small amounts of nicotine become released and are absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This provides the smoker with a controlled way to satisfy the body's craving for nicotine. Habitrol Gum provides a flexible, convenient course of treatment for smokers who want to quit. Each pack contains 96 pieces of gum. It comes in either 2mg or 4mg strength in both mint or fruit flavour. Follow the recommended chewing technique of chewing and 'parking' the gum in the side of the mouth to ensure its efficiency. If you have... |
 |
Nicotine Transdermal System Patch, Stop Smoking Aid, 7 mg, Step 3, 14 patches by Habitrol Habitrol take control support program. 7 mg Delivered over 24 hours. Includes: Behavior support program with self-help guide and CD. For use after completing Step 2. |
 |
Equate - Clear Nicotine Transdermal System - Step Two - Stop Smoking Aid 14 mg, 14 Patches by Aveva INDICATIONS: How The Patch Can Help You Quit Smoking and Your Body When you smoke a cigarette, nicotine reaches your brain in just seconds after each puff. Your brain and body get used to functioning with a certain level of nicotine. Your nicotine level drops dramatically after your last cigarette, and then you begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings for nicotine, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping and increased appetite. Physical withdrawal symptoms usually peak within 24 to 72 hours after quitting, then decline over the next several weeks. However, some smokers may experience withdrawal symptoms for several months. How the Novartis Nicotine Transdermal System Stop... |
 |
This is Nicotine (Addiction) by Karen Farrington (Author) In this powerful and illuminating new series, a team of journalists was commissioned to analyze and comment on the major substances that are seen by society as addictive and ultimately bad for our health. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |