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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.