This paper presents a biopsychological theory of drug addiction, the 'Incentive-Sensitization
Theory'. The theory addresses three fundamental questions. The first is: why do addicts …

The dopaminergic and opiodergic reward pathways of the brain are critical for survival since
they provide the pleasure drives for eating, love and reproduction; these are called 'natural …

Cigarette smoke, which serves as a nicotine delivery vehicle in humans, produces profound
changes in physiology. Experimental studies suggest that nicotine has analgesic properties …

Stimulation of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system is considered of major importance for
the rewarding and dependence producing properties of nicotine (NIC). To identify the site of …

Alzheimer's disease is a complex disorder affecting multiple neurotransmitters. In particular,
the degenerative progression is associated with loss within the cholinergic systems. It …

Although many psychopharmacological factors contribute to nicotine addiction, midbrain
dopaminergic systems have received much attention because of their roles in reinforcement …

During the last decade, nicotine has been used increasingly as an aid to smoking cessation
and has been found to be a safe and efficacious treatment for the symptoms of nicotine …

Cigarette smoking is the largest preventable risk factor for morbidity and mortality in
developed countries. Dramatic changes in the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the …

Studies of the structure and function of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs)
evolved out of studies of muscle AChRs. This review will begin with a brief summary of …

Youth smoking has risen dramatically during the last 5 years, leading one to the conclusion
that prevention interventions have not been particularly effective. This paper provides an …