The Motivational Impact of Nicotine and its Role in Tobacco Use

The Motivational Impact of Nicotine and its Role in Tobacco Use draws upon research on the drug widely believed to form the basis of tobacco use and dependence, nicotine. When discussing drug addiction and dependence, an increasing number of scientists are using the concepts of motivation and related constructs (e.g., incentive processes, cravings, drug seeking, etc.) and their applications in modifying behavior. The chapter authors discuss effective strategies for decreasing tobacco use and preventing initiation through a translational approach in which genetic, neurobiological, individual, and cultural factors motivating tobacco use and nicotine dependence are considered.