Nicotine, although it creates addiction and is not lacking in risks, is not the main cause of smoking diseases. High levels of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke are the cause of these diseases.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is naturally found in the tobacco plant. When consumed, nicotine circulates through the body and reaches tissues and organs, including the brain. In the brain, nicotine binds to specific receptors and triggers the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. As a result, nicotine can stimulate and influence the short -term brain functions, such as emotions, learning and memory. Nicotine also has pharmacological effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure.
After repeated exposures to nicotine, the brain adapts to its presence – a reversible process when a person ceases to use nicotine products.
Smoke is the main cause of smoking diseases, not nicotine
Many erroneously believe that nicotine is the main cause of smoking diseases, but this is not true. The main cause of these diseases is the high level of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, generated by burning tobacco.
Nicotine creates addiction and is not without risks. Certain people – such as those who do not smoke or use products containing nicotine, or those with certain medical conditions – should not use nicotine products. Minors should never use or have access to products containing tobacco or nicotine.
Nicotine in smoke -free products
Nicotine is one of the reasons why some adults smoke, along with taste, ritual and sensory experience. It is also one of the features that adult smokers seek in alternative products.
Smoke -free alternatives, although they are not risk -free and contain nicotine, are a better choice than continuation of smoking, as they can significantly reduce the levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.
A pragmatic approach to smoking problem
The best thing that smokers can do is give up tobacco and nicotine products completely. But the reality is that, every year, nine out of ten smokers do not give up. For them, smoke -free products are a better choice than continuation of smoking – the most harmful form of nicotine consumption. When combined with the existing strategies for preventing initiation and encouraging the renunciation, smoke -free products can contribute to the faster reduction of the number of people who smoke and improve public health.
1 “Pharmacology of Nicotine: Addiction, Smoking-Induct Disease, and Therapeutics” 2009
Material made with the support of Philip Morris Romania
