The dangers of smoking nicotine and addiction to it cannot be understated. Nicotine is a very addictive drug that stimulates your central nervous system, affecting your brain in different ways. Each cigarette has about 10 milligrams of nicotine in it. A smoker only receives about 1 to 2 milligrams of nicotine from each cigarette because only some of the smoke is inhaled. It would only take a drop of pure nicotine to kill a person.
Nicotine is a fast acting drug, however the effects only last a short time. Within 10 seconds of taking a puff, the nicotine in the smoke absorbs rapidly into the blood and releases adrenaline. This adrenaline increases your heart rate and blood pressure, and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. Adrenaline also causes your body to release excess glucose into your bloodstream. This might be why smokers often feel more awake after smoking.
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that gives you a feeling of pleasure and relaxation is released into the bloodstream as well when you light up, so it’s no small wonder that people have a hard time saying goodbye to the tobacco. Usually, neurons will reabsorb the neurotransmitters after they have signaled other brain cells, but cigarette smoke causes dopamine to stay in the synapses, which are the spaces between neurons. The reason for this is unknown, however researchers are trying to determine what blocks the reabsorption of the dopamine.
The effects of nicotine wear off very quickly…within minutes, actually, so to continue the effects that nicotine provides it is necessary for a smoker to continue their habit frequently to prevent feeling the withdrawal symptoms that accompany nicotine deprivation. The brain changes after repeated doses of nicotine. The brain will cut off production of the neurotransmitter in an effort to adjust to too much dopamine. The smoker, in order to have a normal level of dopamine in the brain now, will crave nicotine. This is why they can feel depressed and irritable.
Besides the nicotine, when smokers light up, they are inhaling over 4,000 chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide. Lung cancer, emphysema and heart problems, such as heart disease, are common ailments that are caused by the tar and carbon monoxide.
A dulled sense of smell and taste, aging skin and teeth, as well as a reduced stamina for sports and exercise await those who choose to smoke.
Nearly half a million Americans die from tobacco use each year; one out of every six. This makes smoking tobacco more fatal than all other addictive drugs, combined.
Studies of teens who smoke have shown a link between heavy smoking and agoraphobia, which is the fear of going outside. The chances of having a panic attack is greater among teens who smoke than those who don’t. Scientists theorize that nicotine impairs the blood vessels that go to the brain, and also blocks air from getting to the lungs, which can be symptoms of a panic attack.
No matter how you might rationalize your habit, you face dangerous, life threatening illnesses if you continue to smoke. Stopping the nicotine addiction can be hard, but it will be worth the effort you take because nothing is better than saving your own life.
