Vaping Healthier Than Cigarettes? Insights from 40 Years of Nicotine Research Dr. Raymond Niaura #46
October 3, 2025
In this conversation, Dr. Raymond Niaura shares his extensive 4-decade background in tobacco research, discussing the pervasive culture of smoking during his youth and how it shaped his career. He delves into the effects of adolescent substance use, the trends in vaping among youth, and the complex nature of nicotine's impact on the brain. Dr. Niaura also explores the potential therapeutic uses of nicotine and the emerging interest in psychedelics for addiction treatment, highlighting the evolving landscape of substance use and public health.
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Find More About Dr. Niaura:
https://publichealth.nyu.edu/faculty/raymond-s-niaura
In this episode, we discussed:
0:00 - Introduction to Dr. Raymond Niaura
00:37 - Early Influences and Academic Journey
06:22 - Research on Alcohol and Aggression
09:22 - Impact of Early Substance Use on Life Trajectory
15:05 - Adolescent Brain and Nicotine
16:44 - Vaping Trends and Public Health Concerns
22:00 - Understanding Nicotine and Its Effects
31:01 - The Multifaceted Effects of Nicotine
34:09 - Neuroimaging Insights on Nicotine's Impact
37:44 - Balancing Benefits and Withdrawal of Nicotine
41:09 - Nicotine's Potential in ADHD and Memory Disorders
43:42 - Debunking Myths: Nicotine and Cancer
46:38 - Effective Methods for Quitting Smoking
49:26 - Emerging Research on Psychedelics and Addiction
52:50 - The Future of Addiction Treatment with Natural Compounds
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0:00 - Introduction to Dr. Raymond Niaura
00:37 - Early Influences and Academic Journey
06:22 - Research on Alcohol and Aggression
09:22 - Impact of Early Substance Use on Life Trajectory
15:05 - Adolescent Brain and Nicotine
16:44 - Vaping Trends and Public Health Concerns
22:00 - Understanding Nicotine and Its Effects
31:01 - The Multifaceted Effects of Nicotine
34:09 - Neuroimaging Insights on Nicotine's Impact
37:44 - Balancing Benefits and Withdrawal of Nicotine
41:09 - Nicotine's Potential in ADHD and Memory Disorders
43:42 - Debunking Myths: Nicotine and Cancer
46:38 - Effective Methods for Quitting Smoking
49:26 - Emerging Research on Psychedelics and Addiction
52:50 - The Future of Addiction Treatment with Natural Compounds
-------------------
Hey tribe! - Can I ask you a favour? See, we're completely new to the podcasting game, and any feedback would be appreciated, positive or negative, as we're looking to improve as we go. Thanks!
You can also support us at:
Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://3-minute-theory.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triangle.theory_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triangle.theory
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50RW93YVyR3YgEIuNdKIAZ?si=d77d72433a074a34
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/triangle-theory/id1769204627
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TriangleTheorypod
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/triangle-theory
Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/bdxlCwfrYN8
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/triangle-theory-5790906
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/triangle-theory-podcast/