Nicotine withdrawal under close scrutiny in new study

New research released this week looked closely at the signs and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and pinpointed brain mechanisms linked to dependence on the chemical as well as anxiety over the stopping of its use.

The study in this situation was done on a rat population, but even so may lead to drugs or treatments (or both) that could lead to more effective treatments in the future for smokers.

The brain system involved with anxiety and craving was stimulated heavily by nicotine withdrawal, which helps explains why it is so hard to quit for many smokers. Smokers often relapse long after stopping smoking because of the long-term effects nicotine has on that area of the brain, according to the research.