A study involving laboratory animals and smoking may explain why adolescents are more prone to substance abuse.

Nicotine raises the level of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being.

The study found that teenage rats experience increased sensitivity to the rewarding effects of nicotine compared to adults. However, they do not experience the same nicotine withdrawal effects that adults do, because their dopamine producing system is underdeveloped.

"These findings might also be relevant to other addictive abused drugs," said Dr. Neil Grunberg, of the Faculty of 1000 Biology.

The study appears in the journal Synapse.

Posted By: Aspen/CRC