Pharmacological and psychological determinants of smoking. A New York University honors program lecture.

Arguments for and against low-nicotine cigarettes are examined by considering evidence relevant to the gratification of smoking and to nicotine as an addicting agent. A variety of studies indicates that smokers regulate nicotine intake and that variations in smoking rate that customarily have been interpreted in psychological terms are better understood as attempts to regulate nicotine. These findings bring into question the justification for the low-nicotine cigarette campaign.