Acetylcholine And Glutamate: The Keys To Helping You Quit Smoking?

Together, the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and glutamate were found to control nicotine addiction. During the study, scientists engineered mice without acetylcholine in their habenulae. "Normal" mice are actually as sensitive to nicotine as humans are, but the altered mice didn't develop a tolerance to it, nor did they experience withdrawal symptoms when nicotine was no longer being offered. 

Without the presence of acetylcholine, researchers found, nicotine addiction simply didn't occur. Could this neurotransmitter hold the key to helping persistent smokers finally quit? 

The research team sees lots of potential for further discovery, noting: "Because most nerve cells that release acetylcholine also release glutamate at the same time, the next challenge is to investigate whether the synergy between these two neurotransmitters is important for other functions that involve acetylcholine, such as memory and cognition."

But I Want To Quit Now!

As we are entering a brand new year, many people will have "quit smoking" on their list of New Year's resolutions. While we're waiting to see what scientists can do about that acetylcholine-blocking drug, you'll have to go it the old-fashioned way. Here are some tips that may help you:

• Mentally prepare yourself. Set a quit date, really reflect on why you want to quit and what you will gain by doing so, and then tell everyone you know that you are planning to quit — and ask for help and accountability. If you tell everyone you are quitting, embarrassment may save you from lighting up again. 
• Find another reward, instead. Many smokers really find they need an oral fix. Lollipops, chewing gum, and even an adult-sized pacifier may all help you. Keep your hands occupied by squeezing a stress ball, holding a pen, or playing with a button on your clothes. You'll save a lot of money by not smoking, so buy yourself a treat every week you have successfully stayed away from cigarettes. 

READ Hypnosis to Quit Smoking and Stop Addictions - Hypnosis as Addiction Treatment

• Distract yourself. Drink a glass of water every time you feel the urge to smoke, or do push-ups or sit-ups. Anything that will get your mind off smoking is good.
• Seek support from other quitters, in the form of an in-person quitting support network, or on the internet. 
• If you have tried to quit unsuccessfully before, don't go it alone. Your family doctor can help you by recommending medications and support programs that will contribute to making your attempt to quit smoking more successful. Seeing a therapist in order to help you develop other coping mechanisms may also help.