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Nicotine Addiction

by Jake Colton

Tobacco – Nicotine

  • Tobacco – What is it?
  • Effects of Smoking?
  • Is Nicotine Addictive?
  • Tobacco – What are the Risks?

Tobacco – What is it?

  • Tobacco comes from a plant and contains the stimulant drug, nicotine.
  • It is usually smoked in cigarettes, cigars and pipes, but is also found in a powdered form called snuff (to be sniffed up the nose) and as chewing tobacco or dip.

Tobacco – What are the Effects?

  • Nicotine increases pulse rate and blood pressure.
  • The effects can usually be felt immediately, and can last up to 30 minutes from one cigarette.
  • First time users often feel dizzy or nauseous, even after just a few puffs or “drags” from a cigarette.
  • Regular users often report that smoking reduces their anxiety and helps them relax.
  • Some smokers say nicotine reduces their appetite, so they eat less.

Nicotine – Is it Addictive?

  • Tobacco is highly addictive. Regular use can result in physical dependency with long-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
  • Depression, irritability, restlessness and anxiety are some of the symptoms experienced by smokers who haven’t had a cigarette in a while.
  • These symptoms produce a strong craving for another cigarette.

Tobacco – Risks

  • Coughing, as well as other chest and breathing problems afflict some smokers.
  • Bad breath and discolored teeth are also common among people who smoke regularly.
  • Regular smokers have a much greater risk of developing lung cancer and other forms of cancer, as well as heart disease, circulatory problems and bronchitis.
  • Smoking during pregnancy can harm an unborn child, resulting in low birth weight and other complications.
  • Second-hand smoke can also be hazardous to one’s health, especially to children and people with asthma or other chest problems.

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