Why are tobacco products addictive?
All tobacco products contain nicotine. Nicotine is a chemical that activates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. When activated, these receptors increase the amount of dopamine in the brain by a small amount. Dopamine is the brain's primary reward neurotransmitter and produces a mild high.
Why is nicotine so addictive?
Two properties of nicotine make it so very addictive. First, it is quickly absorbed by the lungs and rapidly crosses the blood brain barrier so that in a matter of seconds the smoker feels a mild euphoria. Second, it is only active for a short amount of time leaving the smoker quickly wanting more.
How much nicotine is in an average cigarette?
Depending on the type of cigarette and an individual's smoking technique, a smoker can generally obtain 1-2 mg of nicotine per cigarette. Light cigarettes probably are closer to 1 mg and unfiltered cigarettes are probably closer to 2 mg
Are light or ultra-light cigarettes safer then regular cigarettes?
All cigarettes contain enough nicotine to have the smoker coming back for more. In addition, all cigarettes contain dozens of harmful chemicals that cause multiple harmful effects on the body
Are smokeless tobacco products safer?
Even smokeless tobacco products have been found to cause serious health effects. Most notably, the cause cancers of the head and neck.
Are nicotine patches and gum harmful as well?
Nicotine replacement products (NRT) have been found to be safe and effective for treatment of nicotine dependence. It is not the nicotine the causes the horrible health effects of smoking. It is the carcinogens (e.g. tar) that cause the damage. NRT has even been found to be safe in patient's with history of heart disease
What about cigars? Are the harmful?
One cigar is equivalent to several cigarettes in terms of health effects. Even if you don't inhale you can't help but breath in some smoke and expose you mouth and nose to the smoke.
What are the medications that are available to help me stop smoking
In the last few years there has been an explosion in smoking cessation products. The FDA has approved nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, nicotine inhalers, nicotine nasal spray, buproprion (Wellbutrin SR), and varenecline (Chantix) for nicotine dependence. All have been proven effective in randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled studies which are the gold-standard of research. In addition, some are available over the counter and without a prescription.
I have heard about serious side effects from Varenecline (Chantix). What can you tell me about those?
There have been some rare reports of suicidal and aggressive behavior on this medication. Varenecline is a psychotropic medicine and has the potential to cause psychiatric problems such as mood swings and irritability. It should be only used in patients who stable with regard to any mental illness and under the close supervision of a physician.
