New method to fight addiciton

Nicotine is one of the most common and addictive substances found in today’s society. Close to half a million people die from smoking-related illnesses in the United States each year, accumulating more deaths from smoking than motor vehicle crashes, drug abuse, AIDS, suicide, and homicide combined (CDC, 2008).

This mild stimulant sends a jolt of adrenaline through the blood stream that provides the “buzz” that smokers experience.  Within two to three hours the subject will begin to have signs of cigarette withdraw.  Scientists have long known that certain areas of the brain are responsible for cravings and impulsive behavior. The orbitofrontal cortex of the brain is responsible for deciding a level of determination towards a behavior. In this case the brains appraisal of need for a cigarette. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for planning complex cognitive behavior and decision making.

Findings from the National Academy of Sciences, suggest that both the orbitofrontal cortex and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were key respondents to cigarette cravings. The scientists focused on these two parts of the brain that could be manipulated to change the occurring behavior of cravings in smokers. They scanned the brains of ten participants that were heavy smokers using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)(that track the amount of blood flow through the brain) to see how these spots reacted when the person watched videos of cigarette smoking. Their brains showed increased brain activity while watching videos of smokers than opposed to the neutral videos watched. Those who were allowed to smoke immediately after the demonstration recorded greater cravings and their brains showed more activity in the PFC than those who were told they had to wait four hours before they could have a cigarette.

Researchers have developed a method to try and reduce cravings in smokers. Scientists used Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to send a weak electrical current to certain areas of the brain. They were able to stimulate as well as suppress activity. When subjects watched the smoking videos again after TMS the reactions were identical to the neutral videos and showing less cravings in both groups.

As a smoker I experience cravings continuously throughout the day. Quitting is something very close to mind but with its easy accessibility and my frequent exposure, the habit is hard to kick. For years I’ve thought people who were trying to quit smoking cigarettes should be able to be hospitalized the same way a person would be helped with withdraw from alcohol and heroin. This research into non-invasive techniques and brain stimulation might be a practical way to help addicts break destructive habits.

Works Cited:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2008).

     Annual smoking attributable mortality, years of

     potential life lost, and economic costs- Untied

     States,2000-2004. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly

     Report, 57(45), 1226-1228

Lewis, T. (2013, Jan 28). Brain Chemistry Circuitry

behind cigarette craving revealed. Scientific American.