NIDA Notes Articles: Tobacco

Studies Link Family of Genes to Nicotine Addiction

December 2009
Reports study results suggesting that genes for several acetylcholine receptor proteins influence early smoking responses and the likelihood of nicotine dependence.

Substance Abuse Among Troops, Veterans, and Their Families

November 2009

Highlights the need for research to assess and find solutions to a potential rise in substance abuse among service men and women, veterans, and their families.

Intervention for Disruptive Children Shows Long-Term Benefits

October 2009
Reports on research providing evidence that teaching aggressive youngsters social coping skills reduces their chances of becoming substance abusers.

Abstinent Smokers' Nicotinic Receptors Take More Than a Month to Normalize

October 2009
Describes research revealing that for up to 6 weeks after smokers quit, their brain cells have more nicotine-binding receptors than nonsmokers, which may explain the struggle to quit.