The reasons for extraordinarily high risk of death and disease caused by tobaco use include not only highly toxic nature of cigarette, and the high risk of develo- ping addiction to smoking and nicotine. Nicotine dependence may be consireded a pathophysiological state that serves as a biological drive to continue using tobaco even in the face of harmandwith a strong desire to quit. Nicotine maintains addiction by both positive reinforcement through direct stimulation of nicotine receptors in the brain, andnegative reinforcement, such as withdrawal symptoms. The probability of becoming addected to nicotine following any exposure is much higher that for heroin, cocaine and alcohol. To improve the understanding of the etiology of nicotine dependence and primary prevention of smoking, the development of diagnostic instruments and more rational approaches to prevention are recommended: these recommendations include also participation of children in research.

        Key words: smoking - dependence - nicotine receptors - theoretical models - research recommendations