Oxygen as a therapy for reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms

There is strong evidence that dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter in the reward pathway in addiction. The use of nicotine replacement therapies and Zyban (sustained release bupropion hydrochloride), both of which are suspected of exploiting dopamine's role in addiction, enhance the likelihood of long-term smoking cessation. Anecdotal reports of oxygen's capacity to reduce both the desire for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms suggest that this may be a therapeutic possibility for those who do not experience success with more traditional cessation approaches. Oxygen may have a favorable effect on nicotine withdrawal, as it appears to alter the balance of central neurotransmitters such as dopamine.