Experience a psychoactive rush from nicotine? Indeed!
Nicotine's Long-Term Effects and the Struggle to Quit
Nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco products, is a potent psychoactive substance that stimulates and then depresses neural activity, leading to both stimulant and tranquilizing effects depending on use patterns. This article explores the long-term effects of nicotine on the body, the challenges of quitting, and the resources available for those seeking to break free from addiction.
Chronic nicotine exposure contributes to addiction, with rapid dependency and withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, and sleep problems. The body quickly sends nicotine to the brain, where it increases levels of the feel-good brain chemical dopamine, creating a cycle of tobacco use. Over time, nicotine changes how sensitive the reward center is to dopamine and affects parts of the brain linking to stress, learning, and self-control.
Compared to other psychoactive substances, nicotine's long-term effects are primarily related to cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke), cancers (lung, throat, mouth, esophagus), respiratory illnesses (COPD), and immune system weakening. Unlike substances such as alcohol or THC, nicotine uniquely combines a biphasic psychoactive profile with strong physical dependency.
Vaping nicotine poses additional risks since the inhaled aerosol can contain harmful chemicals and metals linked to lung injury and cardiovascular problems, though precise long-term health impacts are still being studied.
In contrast to the myriad health risks associated with nicotine, quitting smoking may add years to a person's lifespan and reduce their risk for several cancers, heart disease, COPD, and many other serious health issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 30-50% of people who smoke in the United States try to stop every year, and are successful.
Various support options are available for those who wish to stop smoking, including smoking cessation counseling, free phone coaching or counseling at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, free online services, free text services, and apps. SmokefreeTXT, for example, is a free text service for help quitting smoking. The CDC's pages and the Department of Health and Human Services Smokefree.gov facilities offer free online services for those who wish to stop smoking.
It's important to note that nicotine causes a very short, subtle feeling of pleasure after smoking a cigarette or consuming it another way. This fleeting sensation can make it difficult for individuals to quit, as they may feel they are giving up something that brings them enjoyment. However, the long-term health risks associated with nicotine far outweigh any short-term pleasure it may provide.
In conclusion, while nicotine is a highly addictive psychoactive substance with significant long-term cardiovascular, carcinogenic, and healing-impairment effects, quitting smoking is possible and comes with numerous health benefits. Resources are available to support individuals in their journey to quit, and it's never too late to start.
