Research Confirms that Life-Long Nicotine Addiction Can Result from Smoking Just One Cigarette




According to a new Canadian study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, some people can develop a full-blown tobacco addiction after smoking just one cigarette, while others can be discouraged from further smoking after their initial exposure to tobacco fumes.


The scientists have discovered that specific brain regions can hold key to different reactions to nicotine, at least in rats. In the study, brain receptors of laboratory animals were manipulated in such a way that some rats were repelled by their first nicotine exposure. When rats’ specific dopamine receptors were inhibited by drugs, the animals experienced negative, unpleasant sensations after being exposed to tobacco smoke.

The same brain areas which are responsible for hooking people on tobacco can also be involved in producing nicotine withdrawal symptoms when smoking cessation is attempted, the researchers said.

These findings can make clear why some individuals can develop tobacco dependency after a single puff, says lead author of the study Dr. Steven Laviolette. On the other hand, the recent discoveries can also help develop a drug that will not only prevent people from starting smoking but also will be able to cure already established nicotine addiction.

Previous studies suggested that teenagers could be especially vulnerable to their experimenting with tobacco, finding smoking to be highly pleasurable and rewarding.

Currently, the same team of Canadian researchers are investigating the molecular processes occurring in the relevant brain regions of rats that seem to enjoy their nicotine experience. The results of this research will help manufacture a medication to block the brain receptors responsible for cigarette addiction. Such drug will alter the brain’s positive assessment of nicotine, thus discouraging people from smoking.

Jimmy Edwards

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Posted on August 14, 2008 
Filed Under Stop Smoking News, Tobacco Research

Comments

2 Responses to “Research Confirms that Life-Long Nicotine Addiction Can Result from Smoking Just One Cigarette”

  1. Stop Smoking Herbs on August 19th, 2008 12:36 pm

    Thanks for this article. As a newly web, I considered all stop smoking blog. Writing a good article about stop smoking is quite hard. So, I believe people will enjoy reading this blog and found useful things. Enjoy!

  2. VJ Sleight on August 31st, 2008 11:27 pm

    For most individuals, it takes 6 months to become addicted to nicotine. Most smokers will follow a trajectory that starts with experimentation, then a regular pattern which is when the changes to the brain start. Teenage smokers brains are still developing which can cause them to become addicted quicker and easier. One research study showed that 50% of teenage girl smokers also suffered from clinical depression and that teenage boys are more likely to have conduct disorder. it’s time to stops thinking that smoking is a rite of passage that most teenagers go through and start realizing that this is the first addictive substance and that these users might have an underlying mental disorder that they are self-medicating. Nicotine is not a rite of passage but a seductive drug that kills. For free quitting tips visit: http://WWW.StopSmokingStayQuit.blogspot.com
    VJ Sleight, Queen of Quitting, a former smoker, cancer thrivor and Tobacco Treatment Specialist.

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