Abstract: Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of preparation and use thereof are disclosed. The compounds are N-aryl or heteroaryl azaspiroalkene/alkane compounds, prodrugs or metabolites of these compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The aryl group can be a phenyl ring or a five- or six-membered heterocyclic ring (heteroaryl). The compounds and compositions can be used to treat and/or prevent a wide variety of conditions or disorders, particularly those disorders characterized by dysfunction of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission, including disorders involving neuromodulation of neurotransmitter release, such as dopamine release. CNS disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal neurotransmitter release, are another example of disorders that can be treated and/or prevented. The compounds and compositions can also be used to alleviate pain.