ABSTRACT
All times are interesting, but some times are more interesting than others. The field of tobacco dependence is in especially interesting times. The mapping of the human genome, the unprecedented power of brain imaging technologies, the development of better animal models, and the appearance of transgenic animals allow us to better understand the mechanisms underlying nicotine and tobacco dependence. All of these recent discoveries have led to new possibilities for the treatment of smokers. This commentary highlights some of these recent findings and focuses on recent advances concerning the individual treatment of smokers. Two promising approaches that have recently been tested in humans are reviewed (cannabinoid CB
receptor
antagonists and partial agonists for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor containing the
α
β
subunits). A possible integration of genetic and imaging approaches into the development of future medications is also discussed.
