http://www1.umn.edu/perio/tobacco/nicaddct.html
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine combines with a number of neurotransmitters in the brain and may contribute to the following effects:
| Dopamine: | Pleasure, suppress appetite | Norepinephrine: | Arousal, suppress appetite |
| Acetylcholine: | Arousal, cognitive enhancement | Vasopressin: | Memory improvement |
| Serotonin: | Mood modulation, suppress appetite | Beta-endorphin: | Reduce anxiety / tension |
Tobacco is as addictive as heroin (as a mood & behavior altering agent).
- Nicotine is:
- 1000 X more potent than alcohol
- 10-100 X more potent than barbiturates
- 5-10 X more potent than cocaine or morphine
- A 1-2 pack per day smoker takes 200-400 hits daily for years. This constant intake of a fast acting drug (which affects mood, concentration & performance).. eventually produces dependence.
Pressures to relapse are both behaviorally & pharmacologically triggered.