Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical found in tobacco plants. When nicotine enters the body, it causes a surge of endorphins, which are chemicals that help to relieve stress and pain and improve mood. Nicotine also increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is part of the brain’s reward system and creates feelings of pleasure and reward. The release of dopamine reinforces a person’s behavior of taking nicotine. Frequent use of nicotine creates changes in the way the brain works in relation to self-control, stress, and learning. Long-term changes can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when a person is not smoking.
Nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream and goes to the adrenal glands just above the kidneys. The glands release adrenaline which increases blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. Adrenaline also gives a lot of good feelings all at once. However, nicotine is a toxic substance that raises blood pressure and spikes adrenaline, which increases heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack. Nicotine can cause serious health problems including increased blood pressure and hardening of arterial walls, causing heart attacks. Nicotine use can also lead to decreased appetite, heightened mood, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and lightheadedness. While nicotine is addictive, most of the health effects come from other tobacco chemicals. Tobacco use harms every organ in the body. Smoking tobacco products can cause lung, mouth, stomach, kidney, and bladder cancers. It can also cause lung problems, like coughing, and lead to heart disease, eye problems, and yellow teeth. Smokeless tobacco products are dangerous, too. They can cause oral cancer and heart and gum disease.
