April 2010 Highlights new video clips on NIDA's Web site for teens that explore the dangers of drug abuse and that address questions from youth and their parents on the topic.
December 2009 Reports study results suggesting that genes for several acetylcholine receptor proteins influence early smoking responses and the likelihood of nicotine dependence.
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.
November 2009 Highlights findings from a study showing that nicotine triggers a surge in levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain's main reward area for cigarette smokers.
November 2009 Describes research providing evidence that genes may influence how successful a person is in quitting smoking and which cessation technique may work best for them.
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.
October 2009 Highlights trends from a 2008 survey of teenage substance abuse, cigarette smoking and alcohol use and discusses the implications of these changing data.
October 2009 Describes research exploring differences and similarities in the genetic profiles of African-Americans and European-Americans who are heavy smokers.
October 2009 Highlights prevalence rates of cigarette and marijuana smoking among teens who exercise regularly as compared with their less active peers.