Analysis of the Addiction Liability of Nicotine (From Addiction Potential of Abused Drugs and Drug Classes, P 83-101, 1990, Barry Stimmel, Carlton K Erickson, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-128599)

• NCJ Number: 128604
• Author(s): A C Collins
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Data from human and animal studies suggest that smokers who claim to be unable to stop smoking are addicted to nicotine, thus the potential role of nicotine in regulating tobacco use.

Abstract

While epidemiological and demographic data related to smoking are briefly reviewed, the major focus of this article is on the psychoactive effects of nicotine in reinforcing feelings of well-being and decreasing feelings of discomfort. Environmental and genetic factors can also influence smoking behavior. Self-administration, conditioned place preference, and drug discrimination studies have emphasized the reinforcing properties of nicotine. The development of tachphylaxis and chronic tolerance is also discussed. Human and animal studies have been used to examine the effect of nicotine withdrawal. 49 references