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.