Nicotine addiction takes a terrible toll on American health.
Despite growing public awareness of the deadly dangers of tobacco, nearly 3,000 people younger than 18 become smokers every day and, once addicted, find it very difficult to stop. Over the past decade, NIDA's nicotine-related research has provided crucial insights into the neurobiological and behavioral aspects of nicotine addiction, and this research has led the way to important advances in treating nicotine addiction. Our behavioral science research has contributed to the development, testing, and validation of new behavioral therapies to help smokers resist the craving that often defeats the most determined efforts to stop smoking. The recommendations, which were released by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher in June, are based on an evaluation of nearly 6,000 peer-reviewed research studies. The dividends from NIDA's ongoing investment in nicotine research are increasing.