Nicotine---the addictive compound in tobacco products---is responsible for the physical and psychological effects of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco. Nicotine directly affects parts of the brain responsible for memory, mood and other functions. Understanding what makes people addicted to smoking helps potential smokers avoid addiction and health problems.
Features
The tobacco plant is an annual crop grown for use in cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco products like snuff. It produces nicotine as a protective mechanism against insects. The National Institutes of Drug Abuse states that most cigarettes contain roughly 9 mg of nicotine, about 1 mg of which is absorbed into the body upon inhalation. The different flavors and consistencies of tobacco brands are the result of the processes used to cure and dry it.
Effects
Nicotine enters the brain within about eight seconds of inhalation when smoked. In the brain, it attaches to acetylcholine receptors and stimulates the production of dopamine, resulting in feelings of increased focus, motivation and pleasure. According to the National Institutes of Drug Abuse, dopamine plays a large role in reinforcing tobacco use and is the same neurotransmitter involved in cocaine and amphetamine addictions.
Nicotine Withdrawal
Nicotine withdrawal is a major cause of failure among people trying to quit smoking. According to Medline Plus, nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually set in within two to three hours of smoking and peak in two or three days. Symptoms include headaches, weight gain, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and difficulty concentrating.
Withdrawal can be mild or severe depending on the number of cigarettes smoked per day, length of the habit and other factors. In some cases, symptoms can be severe enough to mimic a psychiatric disorder or aggravate pre-existing conditions like depression or anxiety, according to Medline Plus.
Prevention/Solution
While breaking a nicotine addiction is difficult, many treatment options can increase your chances of quitting. Prescription drugs like bupropion and varenicline have been approved for treating nicotine addiction and withdrawal. Nicotine replacement products like gums, patches and prescription nicotine inhalers allow users to gradually reduce the amount of nicotine in the bloodstream, thereby preventing severe withdrawals. Hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and other types of counseling can help change thoughts and behaviors associated with tobacco use.
Significance
The addictive nature of nicotine is the driving force behind the long-term smoking habits that cause disease and disability in millions of people each year. Smoking is a major preventable cause of lung cancer, heart disease, reproductive disorders and respiratory conditions like emphysema---all of which greatly affect lifespan and quality of life.
