What makes tobacco addictive?

Nicotine is the addictive substance found in the leaves of the dried tobacco plant found in cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, and pipe tobacco. Nicotine works as a stimulant that causes us to feel good or energized. It releases natural chemicals in our brains that cause us to feel more alert and calm. However, in order for the effects to last the person needs more and more nicotine. Eventually, our brains may lower our natural energy level or mood so people may continue smoking just to feel normal. When some people go without tobacco for more than a few hours they may experience some withdrawal symptoms such as lack of energy, slight depression and difficulty concentrating. They continue to smoke to feel better. The withdrawal symptoms will pass within a few days if the person stops smoking or chewing. The body will already begin its healing process.

What's so different about nicotine?

Other products such as alcohol, caffeine, tranquilizers and chocolate can produce small mood changes like nicotine. But nicotine provides a bigger boost than chocolate or a cup of coffee. Nicotine passes into our brains very quickly. The nicotine in chewing tobacco and snuff is absorbed quickly into the blood stream because your mouth is filled with tiny blood vessels near the surface of your inner cheek and gums. Although once you quit smoking or chewing, some changes can last for long periods of times which may explain why some people get cravings to smoke many months or years after quitting.

Is the addiction purely chemical?

No. Although changes in the brain and body chemistry are a large part of addiction, smoking is also a learned behavior. A one-pack a day smoker will take a puff from a cigarette more than 70,000 times in a one-year period. We begin to learn or associate things such as the way we hold or light a cigarette or take it out of the package with the pleasant feeling or a sense of relief that it brings us. We also learn to associate having a cigarette with other things we do

How do I know if I am addicted to nicotine?

The easiest way to see if you are addicted is to stop smoking and if you have any withdrawal symptoms or feel you need to smoke again, you are addicted to cigarettes. A person can become addicted after only one cigarette.

Can addiction be overcome?

Although it is difficult to give up smoking-it can be done. 3,500 Americans stop smoking everyday. Don't get discouraged if you relapse. It takes the average smoker 6-11 serious quit attempts before they conquer their addiction. Each time you relapse you will learn to refine your quit plan to one that is more successful. You should feel proud for each step towards a tobacco-free lifestyle.