Increase in Nicotine Receptors Makes Quitting Harder

Smokers have more nicotine receptors in their brains than nonsmokers, making it more difficult for them to quit, according to researchers at Yale University.

Researchers used brain-scanning technology to compare the nicotine receptors of 16 smokers who had abstained for four days with scans from a group of 16 nonsmokers. They found that the density of common nicotine receptors was higher among smokers during early abstinence, contributing to withdrawal symptoms.

"Nicotine craving is an important factor associated with relapse," said lead author Julie Staley. "This study paves the way for determining whether medications normalize the number of receptors and why some smokers, such as women and those with neuropsychiatric disorders, have more difficulty quitting smoking."

Research report: Staley, J. K., et al. (2006) Human Tobacco Smokers in Early Abstinence Have Higher Levels of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors than Nonsmokers. J. Neurosci., 26: 8707-8714.

From; Join Together Online

Bupropion and nicotine patch as smoking cessation aids in alcoholics

This is a double-blind placebo-controlled study of sustained-release bupropion as a smoking cessation aid in alcoholics undergoing treatment for their alcoholism.

Participants (N=58) were enrolled within 1 week of entry into alcohol treatment from community and Veterans Affairs Substance Use Disorder programs.

All participants received nicotine patch and were invited to attend a smoking cessation lecture and group. Cigarette smoking and alcohol outcomes were measured at 6 months.

Bupropion when added to nicotine patch did not improve smoking outcomes.

One third of participants on bupropion reported discontinuing the drug during weeks 1-4.

Participants reported cigarette outcomes with nicotine patch that are similar to those seen in the general population.

All study participants significantly reduced cigarette use.

Comorbid affective disorder or antipersonality disorder did not affect outcomes.

Alcohol outcomes were improved in those who discontinued cigarettes.

Research; Grant KM, Kelley SS, Smith LM, Agrawal S, Meyer JR, Romberger DJ. Bupropion and nicotine patch as smoking cessation aids in alcoholics Alcohol. 2007 Aug;41(5):381-391.

The Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Join the Millions Who Have Become Nonsmokers Using the Easyway Method by Allen Carr Read more about this title…