Nicotine Addiction: Role of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Genetic Variability in Knowledge, Prevention and Treatment

摘要: In 1988 the US Surgeon General’s report stated that tobacco use, in any form, is addicting as a result of its nicotine content and defined processes determining addiction “similar to those determine drugs such heroin cocaine” (U.S. General, 1988). Tobacco smoking has been classified by WHO International Classification Diseases (ICD-10) under "Mental behavioural disorders” (F00-F99 (http://apps.who.int/classifications/apps/icd/icd10online/). Continuous use induces adaptive changes CNS leading tolerance, physical or physiological dependence, sensitization, craving, reward relapse. Drug Koob (2008) "a chronically relapsing disorder characterized compulsive drug loss control over intake". Indeed proposed includes three different stages, which are: "preoccupation/anticipation, binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect". As final chronic produces ‘tolerance’, an occurrence reduces effect given dose (Fig. 1.).