Hooked from the first cigarette

Abstract

New research has overturned the dogma that cigarette addiction takes years to develop. Studies of adolescent smokers show that symptoms of addiction, such as withdrawal, craving for cigarettes and failed attempts at quitting, can appear within the first weeks of smoking. To account for these findings, scientists have developed a new theory positing that the brain quickly develops adaptations that counter the effects of nicotine. These adaptations lead to withdrawal symptoms when the effects of nicotine wear off. The results highlight the importance of boosting government funding for antismoking campaigns, particularly those aimed at youngsters.