This study investigated the activation changes of brain regions in smokers before and after cessation treatment using a resting state fMRI. The results demonstrated that treated smokers will have improved functions of brain regions related to emotion and memory after using varenicline. This improvement is not only the direct benefit of quitting smoking, but also helps quitters cope with the discomfort and negative emotions of quitting. All subjects showed a decrease in smoking addiction and withdrawal response, suggesting that varenicline can help quitters maintain their withdrawal status.
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