NICOTINE, OTHER DRUGS SIMILAR IN WITHDRAWAL

Rats going through nicotine withdrawal showed a brain reaction similar to
what's seen in amphetamine and cocaine withdrawal, which might help explain
nicotine craving in people who've quit cold turkey.

The finding might also help scientists develop better ways of treating the
symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as depression, anxiety, irritability
and craving, said Dr. Alan I. Leshner, director of the National Institute on
Drug Abuse.

NIDA helped pay for the study, which appears in today's issue of the journal
Nature.

The study focused on brain circuitry that produces pleasure from activities
like eating and sex. It found that during nicotine withdrawal, this "reward"
system became harder to turn on.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett