History of cigarette smoking is associated with higher limbic GABAA receptor availability

► We examined human [11C]Ro15 4513 PET binding in nicotine addiction. ► Higher limbic GABAA availability in volunteers with a history of cigarette smoking. ► Higher limbic GABAA receptor availability continues with abstinence. ► Suggests that limbic GABAA receptor system is dysregulated in nicotine addiction. ► Higher GABAA receptor availability may be a trait marker for nicotine addiction.