Stuck Together
www.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_notes/NNVol13N3/tearoff.html
In the brain, nicotine activates the same reward system as do other drugs of abuse such as cocaine or amphetamine, although to a lesser degree.
Nicotine's action on this reward system is believed to be responsible for drug-induced feelings of pleasure and, over time, addiction.
Nicotine also has the effect of increasing alertness and enhancing mental performance.
In the cardiovascular system, nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.
The drug stimulates the release of the hormone epinephrine, which further stimulates the nervous system and is responsible for part of the "kick" from nicotine.
It also promotes the release of the hormone beta-endorphin, which inhibits pain.
People addicted to nicotine experience withdrawal when they stop smoking. This withdrawal involves symptoms such as anger, anxiety, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and craving for nicotine. Most of these symptoms subside within 3 to 4 weeks, except for the craving and hunger, which may persist for months.
Like addiction to heroin or cocaine, addiction to nicotine is a chronic, relapsing disorder. A cigarette smoker may require several attempts over many years before that person is able to permanently give up smoking. Less than 10 percent of unaided quit attempts lead to successful long-term abstinence.
smokingsides.com/docs/whysmoke.html
Stuck Together
www.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_notes/NNVol13N3/tearoff.html
In the brain, nicotine activates the same reward system as do other drugs of abuse such as cocaine or amphetamine, although to a lesser degree.
Nicotine's action on this reward system is believed to be responsible for drug-induced feelings of pleasure and, over time, addiction.
Nicotine also has the effect of increasing alertness and enhancing mental performance.
In the cardiovascular system, nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.
The drug stimulates the release of the hormone epinephrine, which further stimulates the nervous system and is responsible for part of the "kick" from nicotine.
It also promotes the release of the hormone beta-endorphin, which inhibits pain.
People addicted to nicotine experience withdrawal when they stop smoking. This withdrawal involves symptoms such as anger, anxiety, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and craving for nicotine. Most of these symptoms subside within 3 to 4 weeks, except for the craving and hunger, which may persist for months.
Like addiction to heroin or cocaine, addiction to nicotine is a chronic, relapsing disorder. A cigarette smoker may require several attempts over many years before that person is able to permanently give up smoking. Less than 10 percent of unaided quit attempts lead to successful long-term abstinence.
smokingsides.com/docs/whysmoke.html