Nicotine is a tobacco chemical that keeps you smoking. Within seconds of taking a puff, nicotine reaches the brain. In the brain, nicotine increases the release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that help to regulate mood and behavior.
Dopamine, one of these neurotransmitters, is released in the brain reward center and causes feelings of pleasure and improved mood. The more you smoke, the more nicotine you need to feel good about yourself. Nicotine quickly becomes part of your daily routine, intertwined with your habits and feelings.
Common situations that give rise to the urge to smoke include:
- Drink coffee or have a break at work
- Talking on your phone
- Drink alcohol
- Driving a car
- Spend time with friends
To overcome your nicotine dependence, you need to become aware of your triggers and plan to deal with them.
Experts say that the brain is affected within seconds when nicotine is inhaled. The heart rate increases the levels of the hormones noradrenaline and dopamine, increasing mood and concentration.
If a person does not smoke for a few hours, the levels of these hormones will drop, creating anxiety and possible irritability. This could leave someone in need of another nicotine boost. Certain times of the day, such as during a morning coffee or after a meal, or in places such as bars , pubs or toilets, may give rise to an urge to smoke. Drinking alcohol can also trigger these urges. Experts say that nicotine addicts must identify and deal with their behaviors, triggers, cues, and situations related to smoking.
Risk factors
Anyone who smokes or uses other forms of tobacco is at risk of becoming dependent on it. Factors that influence the use of tobacco include:
Age. Most people start smoking in childhood or teen years of age. The younger you are when you start smoking, the greater your chance of becoming addicted.
Genetics. The likelihood that you will start smoking and keep smoking may be partially inherited. Genetic factors may influence how receptors on the surface of the nerve cells of your brain respond to high doses of nicotine delivered by cigarettes.
Depression or any other mental illness. Many studies have shown an association between depression and smoking. People with depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other forms of mental illness are more likely to be smokers.
Substance Use. People who use alcohol and illegal drugs are more likely to be smokers.
Parents and Peers. Children who grow up with smoking parents are more likely to become smokers. Children with friends who smoke are also more likely to try.
Diagnosis
There is no current diagnostic test to determine whether or not someone is addicted to nicotine, and to what extent.
The doctor may help the patient determine their degree of dependence by asking the relevant questions or using a specific questionnaire.
Usually, a diagnosis of nicotine dependence will occur once a person is seeking medical assistance for addictions. Alternatively, they may seek treatment for a related condition, such as COPD, that requires a cessation of smoking so as not to make the condition worse.
Are You Looking for an Amazing Smoke & Vape Shop Near You?
If you happen to live in Memphis, Tennessee we have an amazing new location ready to serve you! Stop by for high-quality CBD and Hemp products that come with reliable lab reports. If you don’t live in one of these areas, don’t worry! You can check out our online store and get CBD products shipped directly to you! Mary Jane’s CBD Dispensary is part of the fast-growing chain of CBD Dispensaries specializing in providing only the highest quality vapes, Kratom, Nicotine and CBD oil products that have been thoroughly lab tested and meet our high standards of quality. Come see why MJCBD – Smoke & Vape Shop Memphis is the highest rated Tobacco Shop conveniently located in South Memphis on South Third Street! Mary Jane’s CBD Dispensary specializes in the industry’s best brands and has led the industry standard in sales of CBD by dominating in product innovation and customer satisfaction.
