RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Why does smoking so often produce dependence? A somewhat different view
JF Tobacco Control
JO Tob Control
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 62
OP 64
DO 10.1136/tc.10.1.62
VO 10
IS 1
A1 John R Hughes
YR 2001
UL http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/10/1/62.abstract
AB The usual explanation for why smoking produces dependence focuses on the effects of nicotine on dopamine and other neurobiological explanations. This review offers four somewhat different explanations: (1) nicotine can offer several psychopharmacological benefits at the age when such benefits are especially needed; (2) cigarettes provide for a rapid, frequent, reliable and easy-to-obtain reward; (3) nicotine is not intoxicating, allowing chronic intake; and (4) the long duration of the nicotine withdrawal syndrome effectively undermines cessation. This article reviews the evidence for the above views and the tobacco control activities these views suggest.