Nicotine addiction leads to over 4 million smoking-related deaths a year, making it the number one cause of preventable death in the world. In light of this overwhelming statistic, researchers have attempted to discover what it is about nicotine that makes it so addicting.
To study nicotine addiction and its associated behaviors, researchers created a strain of mice that were extremely sensitive to the drug. In order to do this, researchers used a "knock-in" technology to alter one amino acid within the mice. Instead of eliminating the response gene to nicotine (as they have in past studies), researchers accentuated it, emphasizing the pleasure pathway of the drug.
Researchers were then able to study the behavior that results from nicotine abuse and addiction. They observed that the mice demonstrated addiction-related behaviors, even with the lowest doses of nicotine. Such behaviors to the drug include:
Because nicotine bears a molecular resemblance to acetylcholine, a nerve chemical, it has the ability to bind to nicotinic receptors on nerve cells. This binding process causes the nerve cells that are holding the receptors to release a chemical (dopamine) involved in the brain's pleasure/reward system.
Based on the findings from these studies, doctors agreed that the best way to treat drug abuse and addiction is through prevention.
Science Blog November 11, 2004
It's true, the best way to treat drug abuse and addiction to not start using harmful substances in the first place. In other words, complete abstinence.
Nearly everyone knows and understands that smoking is not good for their health. There is no mystery here. If you are an avid reader of my newsletter you probably already know that I believe eating sugar is worse for you than smoking. As with smoking, it is also possible to be addicted to sugar.
So, if you ALREADY smoke (or have another addiction) I strongly recommend using my energy psychology tool Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
EFT uses a combination of kinetic energy input and positive affirmations to release you of your emotional "blocks." The series will teach you how to relieve most emotional traumas, abolish phobias, overcome food cravings and eliminate or greatly reduce physical pain.
You can download my recently updated EFT manual free of charge. If you seek more in-depth knowledge of the EFT technique, my EFT series is available on DVD or VHS.
Through extensive research I have found another tool you can use in the area of overcoming addictions. This new brain wave entrainment Insight CD is a remarkably effective and efficient way to help you achieve inner peace and significantly reduce the anxiety often related to the recovery of addictions.
The Insight CD, which I personally listen to and now recommend to my patients, is an exceptional tool to help you cope with daily stresses and conquer the addiction-related challenges in your life.
Listening to this CD will provide you relief from stress you encounter throughout the day. If you are committed to preventing or overcoming any form of illness and optimizing your health, I strongly urge you to consider making the Insight CD a part of your regular health regime.
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Officials Unveil Plan to Reduce Smoking
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