Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine is one of the main components of tobacco smoke and it acts as a stimulant for humans, making nicotine addiction one of the most difficult addictions to break. Smoking tobacco has been prevalent since time-immemorial and is socially acceptable. There are several factors that contribute to nicotine addiction, ranging from genetic make up to societal influence. Nicotine from inhaled tobacco is known to be the major cause of heart attack and lung cancer. The human body is a strong and complex mechanism, it adapts very quickly. When people smoke, the body builds a tolerance to nicotine and allows them to smoke more without reacting negatively. This is one of the main contributors for the addiction to develop over a period.

Facts about Nicotine

Nicotine is an alkaloid and an average cigarette yields about 1mg of absorbed nicotine. Nicotine in the form of smoke passes through the blood-brain barrier getting the brain to release dopamine. When dopamine is released it gives a feeling of pleasure and thus an addictive association is formed. Whenever people smoke, the neurotransmitters in the brain react secreting dopamine, making the smoker feel alert and calm.

As people smoke, the body adjusts to the high levels of nicotine intake and certain chemical changes occur inside the brain. Once this starts happening, the brain needs nicotine to complete its circuit and dependency develops. Smokers will then have to inhale nicotine in regular intervals or in excess amounts in order for the brain to complete its circuit. The effects of nicotine are psychological as well as physiological.

Some of the other facts about nicotine are that it combines with different neurotransmitters in the brain causing effects like pleasure, mood change, appetite suppression, etc. It is responsible for stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, etc. Psychological dependence is one of the main reasons why people continue smoking. They smoke for stimulation, relaxation, to reduce stress, handle pressure, but most of the time, it's just craving and to avoid nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Other facts about nicotine state that it causes short-term increase in blood pressure and heart rate and also causes the arteries to narrow. Other chemicals in cigarette smoke may damage the arteries causing fats to deposit on the walls a condition which might lead to a heart attack.

Treatment

If you look at some of the nicotine side effects, you will see that they range from mild throat irritation to death due to heart attack. There are several different treatment methods that can be used to treat nicotine addiction. One of the most popular treatment option is the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). There are treatment centers where you can get yourself admitted to get rid of your addiction. Treatment centers will help you cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms with medication and counseling. There are also several support groups that are based on the principle of one nicotine addict helping another to tide over the habit. One of the support groups which has face to face as well as online meeting is Nicotine Anonymous, you can check out their website for more details.

According to doctors, nicotine addiction is as lethal as heroin or cocaine addiction because it has similar behavioral characteristics. There are several other FDA approved products that you could use to get rid of this addiction, like nasal sprays and inhalers. Developing a strong support system is considered one of the most effective ways to deal with this addiction.