ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the extensive preclinical and clinical evidence that indicates a role for the endogenous opioid peptide (EOP) system in tobacco/nicotine use behavior. Opioid antagonists such as naloxone and naltrexone have been shown to reduce smoking behavior and to block reinforcement from nicotine. More recent evidence from clinical trials suggests that the antagonist naltrexone may be efficacious in reducing cigarette use and cessation-induced weight gain when used as an adjunct to nicotine replacement therapy. A brief discussion of potential mechanisms mediating this effect and future directions is also provided.
