[Studies on clinical features of nicotine dependence in comparison with those of alcohol and methamphetamine dependence using a two compartment model of drug dependence].

The purpose of the present study was to develop a new clinical evaluation form to compare the clinical features of nicotine dependence with those associated with alcohol and methamphetamine dependence, using a two compartment model consisting of "drug dependence" and "dependence syndrome". The evaluation form consisted of six scoring items: subjective effects, tolerance, drug liking, social disturbance, withdrawal syndrome, and acute psychic and acute physical disorders. "Drug dependence" was defined by positive scores on the "drug liking" item. "Dependence syndrome" was defined by positive scores on drug-induced pathological symptoms (withdrawal syndrome, and acute psychic and physical disorders) and social disturbance. The subjects were dependent on nicotine (n = 68), alcohol (n = 62), or methamphetamine (n = 55). All subjects met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for drug dependence. Nicotine produced a mild degree of drug liking and psychic withdrawal symptoms, but did not cause significant physical withdrawal symptoms, acute psychic or physical disorders or social disturbance. Alcohol and methamphetamine produced a moderate degree of drug liking and significant levels of withdrawal syndrome, acute disorders and social disturbance. Thus, in the present study, nicotine dependence differed from other forms of drug dependence in that nicotine was not associated with "dependence syndrome".