Why does smoking so often produce dependence? A somewhat different view.

J R Hughes

doi:10.1136/tc.10.1.62

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Why does smoking so often produce dependence? A somewhat different view.

J R Hughes

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Abstract

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.

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Dopamine Health Promotion Humans Nicotine Smoking Smoking Cessation Substance-Related Disorders Time Factors Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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J R Hughes. 2001. Why does smoking so often produce dependence? A somewhat different view.. https://doi.org/10.1136/tc.10.1.62

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