Secondhand smoke is sometimes referred to as environmental tobacco smoke or passive smoke. It's a combination of both the burning tobacco that comes off the end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. Though secondhand smoke may seem harmless, the American Cancer Society says it's actually just as dangerous as smoking the actual cigarette, cigar or pipe. In some cases, those exposed to excess secondhand smoke become addicted. Symptoms are similar to the nicotine dependence experienced by long-term smokers.
Step 1
Determine if there's an increase in moodiness or irritability. According to Medical Newsday, these are common nicotine addiction symptoms.
Step 2
Ask yourself--or the person you suspect is addicted- if nicotine withdrawal symptoms are apparent. National Newsdesk states that common symptoms include depression, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.
Step 3
Track bowel movements to see if diarrhea or constipation are consistent. Both are symptoms of nicotine addiction.
Step 4
Determine whether or not the suspected addicted person has trouble sleeping. Insomnia, which is the inability to fall and stay asleep, is a common symptom of nicotine addiction.
