Nicotine Addiction Linked to the Liver

New research by the University of Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shows a link between nicotine addiction and an enzyme produced by the liver.  Our liver removes nicotine from the body by producing an enzyme which binds to nicotine and makes it more water soluble, so that it can be excreted in the urine.  Research now shows that the strength of a person’s nicotine addiction is linked to the liver enzyme responsible for breaking down nicotine.  People who produce high levels of this enzyme break down nicotine more quickly and therefore are more likely to smoke more frequently and are more likely to develop a nicotine addiction.

How does this relate to quitting smoking?  Well, there are tremendous individual differences in how each of us experience nicotine withdrawal and go through the quit process.  Some of us are able to quit more easily than others, with fewer withdrawal symptoms.  Others need more support to overcome a nicotine addiction, though this doesn’t mean that quitting is less possible for this group of people.  Maintaining an awareness throughout the quit process of how your body is responding and knowing when to get additional help is an important factor in long term success.

Regardless of your unique response to quitting smoking, we want to make quitting a successful and positive experience for you.   Whether it’s been 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years since your last cigarette, if you feel like you could use extra support please contact us to learn more about the treatment options that may be of particular help to you.  We have a variety of options available to help your particular situation, whether it’s continuing with supplements and herbal formulas, examining behaviours and making lifestyle changes, or additional laser therapy or acupuncture treatments to assist in your transition or address any health changes you’ve experienced since quitting.

If you would like to read more about this new research, please see this article.