Addiction

Nicotine is a high-powered stimulant and one of the most addictive drugs. In fact, the Surgeon General concluded that nicotine addiction is comparable to that of heroine or morphine. When a cigarette is smoked, nicotine first enters the lungs and bloodstream. Within seven seconds, about 15 percent of the nicotine travels directly to the brain. When it arrives, the brain triggers a number of responses in the body, including an increase in heart rate and breathing. Each puff provides the smoker with a dose of nicotine. Smokers sustain a continuous dose of nicotine throughout the day by smoking more when nicotine levels in the blood are decreasing and less when they are stable or increasing. Cravings occur approximately every 20-30 minutes.

Those addicted often experience temporary withdrawal symptoms when quitting or cutting down drastically. Some of the most common symptoms include headaches, mood changes, decreases in heart rate and blood pressure, irritability, sleep disruption, anxiety, depression, weight gain and an inability to concentrate that may last one to two weeks. The addictive nature of nicotine makes it difficult to break the habit. In fact, relapse can become an opportunity that strengthens resove, rather than failure. Research findings have demonstrated that those who remain ex-smokers have quit at least twice before. Every smoker has the ability to quit, and studies show that most smokers who keep trying can be successful in quitting smoking for good.