The force behind this grim statistic is the chronic, relapsing brain disease of addiction - in this case, addiction to nicotine. Only research on nicotine addiction can provide effective, science-based solutions to this costly public health problem. More than two decades of NIDA leadership in addiction research have already provided much scientific information about addiction to nicotine. This research has led to the development of smoking prevention and treatment approaches that are helping to counter nicotine's threat to the public health today. NIDA-supported basic and clinical research promises additional improvements in treatment as scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of addiction to nicotine and other abused drugs.
Most smokers know that cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use are harmful.
Nearly 35 million of them try to quit every year. Yet, without help, only a very small number actually are able to succeed. Science has shown why this is so. The nicotine in tobacco products is a highly addictive drug, and nicotine addiction is characterized by truly compulsive seeking and use, even in the face of harmful consequences. Research on nicotine addiction has yielded a variety of pharmacological and behavioral treatments that have helped many people combat their nicotine addiction.