Nicotine: Everything You Need to Know

Nicotine is a substance found in all tobacco products and some electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids). It is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco plants, which can also be synthesized in laboratories. The substance is also used as a pesticide in the agricultural industry. Any product containing tobacco also contains contaminated sources of nicotine, including cigarettes, heated tobacco products, cigars, and most electronic cigarettes. This article discusses the history and impact of nicotine, its potential effects on health, and treatment options for nicotine dependence.

History of Nicotine

Nicotine comes from tobacco plants in the tobacco genus, which is part of the nightshade family of plants. Tobacco plants originated in South America and then spread to North America, Africa, and Australia.

The indigenous people of these regions initially used tobacco plant leaves for chewing, smoking, or in religious ceremonies. European colonizers exported tobacco crops for profit and shifted the focus of tobacco towards recreational use.

The tobacco industry has a long history. Reliable sources have targeted specific communities based on racial characteristics, population statistics of a particular region, and cultural factors to promote tobacco use.

Tobacco companies also disproportionately marketed menthol products to Black and low-income communities. Menthol is added to cigarettes to make them more appealing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-Hispanic Black or African American people are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes than other racial or ethnic groups.

Menthol may increase nicotine’s addictiveness to the brain. People who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to continue using tobacco products, which increases their risk of tobacco-related diseases.

Read More: What are Nicotine Salts?

The Impact of Nicotine

Nicotine produces a temporary feeling of happiness and relaxation, increases heart rate and the amount of oxygen the heart uses. When nicotine enters the body, it causes a surge in endorphins, which are chemicals that help to relieve stress and pain and improve mood.

The body quickly absorbs nicotine into the bloodstream, where it reaches the brain. Levels of nicotine peak shortly after entering the body, so the feeling of reward is fleeting. This causes individuals to continue smoking to maintain pleasure.

Nicotine also increases dopamine levels, which is a neurotransmitter that is part of the brain’s reward system and produces pleasure and reward feelings. The release of dopamine enhances a person’s behavior of taking nicotine.

Frequent use of nicotine changes the way the brain works in terms of self-control, stress, and learning. Long-term changes when a person stops smoking can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Impact on Cognitive Function

Nicotine can also temporarily increase attention and memory. However, long-term smoking may lead to a decline in cognitive ability and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, any short-term benefits to cognitive function will not outweigh the long-term risks of nicotine use.

When people stop using nicotine, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that affect attention or memory. Quitting smoking may also lead to sleep disturbances.

Side Effects of Nicotine

Nicotine affects various systems in the body and may cause:

• Dizziness
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in blood flow
• Headaches
• Increased risk of blood clotting
• High blood pressure
• Changes in heart rhythm and heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Digestive ulcers
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Tremors
• Joint pain
• Indigestion or heartburn

Certain nicotine products may also have specific side effects. According to a credible source from the American Cancer Society, side effects of nicotine patches include:

• Skin irritation
• Accelerated heart rate
• Dizziness
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Muscle soreness or stiffness

Accelerated heart rate may indicate that the dose of nicotine is too high, and individuals can discuss reducing their dosage with medical professionals.

Side effects of nicotine gum may include:

• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Mouth ulcers
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Jaw discomfort
• Accelerated heart rate

Other nicotine products may also cause an accelerated heart rate, tension, and headaches. If a person suspects nicotine poisoning, they should contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical help.

Nicotine may interact with some other drugs or medications. Nicotine may reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines. If a person is taking birth control pills, nicotine may increase the risk of blood clots.

Smoking

Nicotine is an addictive substance found in tobacco products, which means it alters the way the brain works. According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), most smokers smoke frequently because they are addicted to nicotine.

Smoking is the most common preventable cause of death. It can damage almost every organ of the body and increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

While nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, tobacco smoke contains at least 69 carcinogenic chemicals, which means they are carcinogenic substances.

Are Electronic Cigarettes and Vaporizers Safe?

Electronic nicotine delivery systems(ENDS), which can be referred to as e-cigarettes or vaporizers, are small, portable devices that heat liquid to generate vapor. This liquid usually contains nicotine as well as solvents and flavorings.

E-cigarettes containing nicotine are not suitable for pregnant women as nicotine may cause problems with fetal development.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a report on the potential dangers of using vaporization products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a component of cannabis.

The FDA also warns against using e-cigarette products of unknown origin or purchased on the street. There have been over 1000 reports of severe lung damage caused by vaping products.

Currently, there are many unknowns about e-cigarettes, including the chemicals they may contain and their effects on health. If people use e-cigarettes to quit smoking, other methods may be a better choice.

Read More: Vaping E-cigarettes May Has Astounding Anti-aging Effect

Nicotine Dependence Treatment

According to NIDA, a 2020 survey found that about 23.6 million people aged 12 and over had nicotine dependence in the past 30 days. Treatment for nicotine dependence may include:

1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) provides people with small amounts of nicotine which attach to some of the nicotine receptors in the body, reducing cravings for nicotine.

NRT may include nicotine patches, sprays, lozenges, or gum. FDA-approved NRT is the least harmful type of nicotine product.

2. Medications

Certain medications may also help with nicotine dependence treatment.

Bupropion is a medication that affects brain chemicals and is as effective as NRT in aiding smoking cessation.

Varenicline is a medication that stimulates specific nicotine receptors, but to a lesser degree than nicotine. According to smoking cessation studies, it may be more effective than bupropion in helping people quit smoking.

3. Counseling and Psychological Support

Research has shown that combining NRT or smoking cessation medications with behavioral therapy is more effective in helping people quit smoking.

People may choose to speak with mental health professionals for advice or use psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Mindfulness, helplines, automated messaging, and self-help materials may also help people quit smoking.

Conclusion

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance in tobacco products and often the reason why many people smoke. It can cause side effects such as dizziness, increased heart rate, and headache.

It is also a toxic substance that can lead to poisoning. If people suspect they have nicotine poisoning, they will need immediate medical help.

Nicotine may also lead to more frequent use of tobacco products such as cigarettes, which can lead to serious health problems.

Medication, nicotine replacement therapy, and behavioral therapy can help people quit using nicotine-containing products.