Tobacco-induced neurotoxicity of adolescent cognitive development (TINACD): A proposed model for the development of impulsivity in nicotine dependence

Early initiation of cigarette use is associated with higher levels of nicotine dependence. This paper provides a theory to explain this finding based on the neurotoxic effects of cigarettes on a developing system. The tobacco-induced neurotoxicity of adolescent cognitive development (TINACD) theory postulates that alterations in executive functioning, particularly evident under stressful or emotionally intense states, lead to higher levels of dependence. The model proposes that the neurotoxic effects of tobacco are most pronounced when smoking begins during early adolescence, a period of major neurodevelopment subserving inhibitory control.