Nicotine May Enhance Other Experiences
Posted on: Friday, 5 September 2008, 15:00 CDT
A Kansas State University researcher suggests that nicotine's power, or addictive quality, may be in how it enhances other experiences.
Study leader Matthew Palmatier said much previous research on nicotine addiction has looked at the drug itself rather than the other factors associated with nicotine's addiction.
"People have very regimented things they do when they smoke," Palmatier said in a statement. "People smoke in very specific places, often with a specific group of people. Maybe it's a reason why nicotine is so addictive -- if you get used to having that extra satisfaction from things you normally enjoy, not having nicotine could reduce the enjoyment in a given activity."
For a smoker who enjoys drinking coffee, the nicotine may make a cup of coffee more satisfying, Palmatier said.
"The big picture is trying to figure out why people smoke," Palmatier said. "There are a lot of health risks, and the majority of smokers already know what they are. They want to quit but can't. It's not because nicotine is a potent drug; it doesn't induce significant amounts of pleasure or euphoria. Yet, it's just as difficult if not more difficult to quit than other drugs."
The findings are published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
Source: United Press International
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