Dependence on nicotine
Nicotine addiction is an addiction to tobacco products due to their nicotine content With nicotine addiction, a person cannot get addicted to nicotine, even though the substance is harmful
Nicotine produces physical and mood altering effects that provide temporary pleasure. These effects lead to repeated use of tobacco and eventually addiction At the same time, stopping tobacco use causes withdrawal symptoms, including irritability and anxiety
Although nicotine is addictive, other substances in tobacco also cause toxic effects. Smokers have a much higher incidence of heart disease, stroke and cancer than non-smokers
No matter how long you've been smoking, quitting can improve your health. There are many effective treatments for nicotine addiction and to manage withdrawal symptoms Ask your doctor for help
Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that keeps you smoking Nicotine is highly addictive when it reaches the lungs Nicotine increases the release of substances in the brain, neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are involved in regulating behavior and mood One such neurotransmitter is dopamine, which improves mood and activates feelings of pleasure. Such sensations caused by nicotine cause addiction to tobacco
Nicotine addiction involves both behavioral and physical factors Behaviors and circumstances related to smoking:
- Smoking at certain times of the day, such as first thing in the morning, during morning coffee or on work breaks
- Smoking after eating
- Drinking alcohol
- With friends
- While talking on the phone
- In stressful situations
For some people, any amount of tobacco use can quickly lead to nicotine addiction Addiction symptoms:
- You can't stop smoking You have had 1 or more serious but unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking
- You experience withdrawal symptoms while trying to quit smoking Attempts to quit smoking have resulted in physical and mood-related symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, depression, anger, increased appetite, insomnia, constipation, or diarrhea.
- You continue to smoke despite health problems You couldn't quit smoking despite heart and lung problems
- You stop participating in social and recreational activities to stop smoking You may avoid going to restaurants where smoking is prohibited or reduce your interactions with family members or friends because you cannot smoke in such situations.
When to consult a doctor
If you have tried to quit smoking for months without success, you are not alone. Most smokers try to quit smoking many times before succeeding
To permanently quit smoking, it is best to follow a treatment plan that addresses both the physical and behavioral aspects of nicotine addiction. Using medication and working with a specialist will significantly increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking.
See your doctor for a treatment plan
