Nicotine is a highly addictive drug found primarily in tobacco products and is one of the most frequently used addictive drugs, notes the National Institute on Drug Abuse. When absorbed into the body by smoking cigarettes, using smokeless tobacco or through second-hand smoke, nicotine can act as both a stimulant and a depressant. It has many effects on the body and its systems.
Increase in Heart and Respiratory Rate
Nicotine affects various chemical receptors in the brain. The National Institute of Drug Abuse for Teens explains that when inhaled, it takes only eight seconds for nicotine to reach the brain. It can block chemical receptors in the brain responsible for normal body function. Because of this, blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate can all increase.
Hardening Arteries
The American Heart Association explains that nicotine in cigarette smoke contributes to hardening of the arteries, causing heart disease and increasing an individual’s risk of experiencing a heart attack. Arteries also begin to narrow with the use of nicotine which can restrict blood flow.
Pregnancy Complications
Nicotine contributes to lower birth weight babies in women who smoke. It also increases the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised to stop smoking during pregnancy for these reasons.
Increases Blood Sugar
Nicotine is a harmful drug, especially to individuals with diabetes. MedlinePlus explains that nicotine has been shown to increase blood sugar. Increased blood sugar in diabetics can make controlling the disease much more difficult
Withdrawal
Individuals who use tobacco products for long periods of time develop a nicotine addiction. In order to prevent experiencing withdrawal symptoms, nicotine must continually be absorbed into the body. MedlinePlus notes that symptoms such as anxiety, tension, frustration, headaches, irritability, trouble sleeping and depression can begin to occur as soon as two to three hours after the last use. Withdrawal symptoms peak after two to three days.
