what makes cigarettes addictive

Cigarettes are addictive primarily due to the presence of nicotine, a highly addictive chemical compound found in tobacco products. Nicotine alters the brains functioning, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior and use, even in the face of negative health consequences. When cigarette smoke is inhaled, nicotine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and quickly delivered to the brain, causing the release of dopamine, which gives people a pleasurable feeling. Over time, the brain begins to crave this feeling, leading individuals to use more tobacco to achieve the same effect, ultimately resulting in addiction. Additionally, the tobacco industry has manipulated cigarettes to increase their addictiveness by adding chemical compounds that facilitate the absorption of nicotine and make smoking easier and more pleasurable. This combination of factors contributes to the addictive nature of cigarettes and the challenges associated with quitting smoking.