Link between emotion and addictive substance use explained
Sadness, but not all negative emotions, heighten cravings to smoke and increases the likelihood of relapse.... Read More...
smoking
The best way to ditch bad habits: what science can teach us
Was your New Year's resolution to ditch a bad habit? Researchers explore the best ways to curb your withdrawal and explain why relapse isn't always such a bad thing.... Read More...
Smoking may cause white scars on the brain
Smoking causes white matter scarring in the brain, and the effects do more harm than previously believed.... Read More...
Tobacco smoking increases risk of depression and schizophrenia
The link between smoking, depression, and schizophrenia is due, in part, to a causal effect of tobacco use. Findings reveal that smoking increased the risk of schizophrenia and depression. Additionally, depression and schizophrenia increased the likelihood of a person becoming nicotine dependent.... Read More...
Heavy smoking can have a damaging effect on facial aging
In addition to being detrimental to general health, heavy smoking has a causal effect on facial aging. Heavy smoking affects facial attractiveness and spurs earlier and increased skin wrinkling.... Read More...
Direct relationship between depression and inflammation called into question
Disputing other findings, researchers report there is no direct link between inflammation and depression. The study reports depression may only have a link to inflammation as a result of specific lifestyle features, such as smoking or obesity.... Read More...
Warnings on individual cigarettes could reduce smoking
Smokers exposed to individual cigarettes with public health warnings written on them felt the products were offputting and depressing. When surveyed, those who smoke said printing messages on cigarettes would prolong the health message and had the potential to discourage smoking in young people.... Read More...
Sleep interrupted: What’s keeping us up at night?
Consuming nicotine and alcohol four hours before bedtime causes worse sleep continuity and sleep disruptions. Surprisingly, researchers found no link between caffeine consumption four hours before sleep and sleep disturbances for most people.... Read More...
Smoking cigarettes linked to negative personality changes
Using the Big Five model of personality traits, researchers found smokers were more likely to experience an increase in neuroticism over time. Quitting smoking did not have an impact on altering the negative personality traits.... Read More...
Tobacco increases risk of schizophrenia and psychosis
Meta-analysis finds a two-fold increased risk of developing schizophrenia and psychosis amongst those who smoke tobacco. Researchers speculate nicotine is most likely responsible for the link. They suggest future research looks at the link between e-cigarettes and a possible increased risk of psychosis in young adults, the largest consumer group for the products.... Read More...
Novel study links fetal exposure to nicotine and sudden infant death syndrome
In utero exposure to nicotine could increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, researchers report. The findings raise concerns about both smoking and the use of nicotine replacement therapies during pregnancy. ... Read More...
Smoking and Alcohol: Double Trouble for the Brain
A new study reports those with alcohol addiction who also smoke may be at an increased risk of neural damage. The study revealed higher levels of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and a a decrease in neurotrophic factor in the striatum and frontal cortex in rats exposed to both alcohol and tobacco.... Read More...