Nicotine is a drug occurring naturally in tobacco, and according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Because a person who becomes addicted is attached to the drug both physically and psychologically, the effects of nicotine permeate the mind and body. Those who resolve to quit have a difficult task, one that often involves physical withdrawal symptoms and emotional upset.
Euphoria/ Addiction
Similar to narcotics, nicotine creates pleasant feelings for the smoker (euphoria), causing him to want to smoke more. It acts as a depressant, according to the ACS, interfering with the flow of information between the nerve cells. Addiction begins when the smoker increases the number of cigarettes he smokes, demonstrating increased tolerance and nervous system adaptation to the drug. A chronic smoker smokes to maintain a certain level of nicotine in his body.
Withdrawal
Regular smokers need to have continuous doses of nicotine to keep withdrawal symptoms from occurring. The ACS reports withdrawal signs may begin within hours of the last cigarette. Heavy smokers might sleep fewer hours at night due to the body's need for nicotine. During the day, a smoker may exhibit irritability or anxiety without frequent cigarette breaks. She may have strong cravings for the drug that distract her from work and prevent her from focusing on other tasks. In addition, attempting to quit means battling a bevy of symptoms including dizziness, insomnia or bad dreams, restlessness, headaches, increased appetite, weight gain, cough, nasal drip, constipation and gas. These symptoms fade with time, often within a few days to several weeks, according to the ACS. Many smokers are unable to contend with the effects of withdrawal without support or medical assistance.
Health Risks
The health risks of smoking are widely known. The ACS maintains half of all smokers who continue to smoke will end up dying from smoking-related illnesses. Cancer of the mouth, voice box, throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, stomach and cervix may be caused by smoking. In addition, smokers experience increased risks of lung diseases, heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel diseases. When compared to nonsmokers, smokers are twice as likely to die from heart attacks, according to the ACS.
