Effects of Progesterone on IV Nicotine Induced Changes on BOLD fMRI Signal, Hormones and Subjective Ratings of Stimulant Drugs

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women between the ages of 18 and 40 who currently smoke at least 15 cigarettes every day, and who fulfill DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for nicotine dependence will be eligible for participation. * No evidence of clinically significant disease based upon complete medical history and physical examination by a qualified physician. * Absence of DSM-IV Axis I Disorders other than nicotine dependence (305.10) as measured by the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID). * Routine laboratory blood tests including complete blood count, electrolytes, BUN and creatinine, liver function tests, hepatitis panel and urinalysis will be performed. Laboratory parameters must be within the normal range. HBsAg must be negative but subjects who have hepatitis serology consistent with previous exposure to Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C, but who do not have clinical and biochemical evidence of acute infection, will be acceptable. * Hematocrit levels ≥ 39% for males and ≥ 35% for females. * Serum pregnancy test (hCG beta subunit) results must be negative within 24 hrs of the study day. * Normal ECG. * A Body Mass Index (BMI-ratio of weight (W) to height (H) squared; W/H2=kg/m2) of between 18 and 27 for women and 21 to 29 for men. * Subjects must be able to read and understand instructions, as well as provide a valid informed consent. * Individuals without hypersensitivity to peanuts or peanut oil. * Participants without a current diagnosis of lactose intolerance. N…