Understanding and Overcoming Nicotine Addiction
An estimated 30% to 50% of smokers in the U.S. try to quit in any given year. The adverse effects of nicotine addiction are one of the many reasons to quit, and understandably so. In this article, we’ll discuss nicotine addiction and the strategies available to overcome it.
Understanding Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is an alkaloid, like caffeine and morphine. It stimulates the release of dopamine, a feel-good brain chemical that activates the parts of the brain that contribute to pleasure. Nicotine is addictive, meaning that the body develops a perceived “need” for it over time.
Nicotine addiction can cause several adverse effects, including irritability, anxiety, depression, cognitive deficits, and disrupted sleep. Additionally, many of the products that contain nicotine, like cigarettes, contain harmful chemicals that increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. (more…)