Addiction Researchers Zero In On Amino Acids In The Brain

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Alcohol and nicotine affect the brain in much the same way, which can double the risk of alcoholics becoming cigarette smokers, or visa versa. Certain people with addictive personalities are more prone to these effects.

That is the down side and it is a big one but there is good news.

Both problems might be able to be attacked simultaneously. Researchers say that the way to potentially treat this is to focus on the role of amino acids in the brain.

It is going to take a great deal of research but if there's a way we can attack addictions, try to understand them and deal with them, so much the better.