The effects of nicotine and tobacco on human reinforcement processes

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Smokers and non-smokers differ across a number of domains that are relevant to the ways they perceive and respond to potential reinforcers. Although certain ingredients found in tobacco smoke are known to affect brain systems that are involved in regulating reinforcement, little is currently known about the degree such actions lead to changes to the way smokers perceive and respond to reinforcers. In the proposed research will examine the acute and longer-term effects nicotine, the non-nicotinic constitutes of tobacco smoke and tobacco withdrawal on various indices of reinforcement sensitivity. It is expected that this work will help delineate the pathogenesis of the various differences between smokers and non-smokers as well as enhance our understanding of basic human reinforcement processes.