How Does Nicotine Take You Captive? Neurobiology of Tobacco Addiction

Abstract

SUMMARY Nicotine is the major addictive component of tobacco. Nicotine addiction is a complex and multifactorial disease affecting the central nervous system. Recent studies have led to significant advances in our understanding of molecular, cellular and systems mechanisms of nicotine addiction. The modern concepts of nicotine addiction have based on the knowledge of cholinergic neurotransmission and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs).Nicotine dependence is also a complex phenotype with complex genetic influences. Genetic factors operate at all steps of addictions, including vulnerability to initiation, continued use, and tendency to become dependent. Our knowledge of the nicotine dependence neurobiology is being increased; individuated targeted drug therapies will be available in the near future.