What is so addicting about smoking?!
Question: CIGARETTES CONTAIN the drug nicotine. This drug stimulates dopamine release and elevates dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is known as the master addiction molecule and high levels in the brain reinforce drug abuse.
Nicotine also stimulates the release of another substance called noradrenaline. Nicotine addicts become accustomed to high levels of these substances in the brain. They experience pleasure, elation and alertness as a consequence of drug use. Normally, nicotine is reabsorbed or quickly broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). However, a cigarette is engineered so that the action of the enzyme is blocked and nicotine is unleashed and unabated.
TRIPLE CAUSES OF ADDICTION
Ultimately, nicotine changes the structure and function of the brain. It elevates dopamine levels, smokers have 25 per cent less MAO(A) and 40 per cent less MAO(B) than non-smokers. For the triple whammy, cigarettes are treated with ammonia that increases the absorption of nicotine 100 fold than tobacco in its natural state. Experts agree that it is similar to freebasing.
Symptoms of nicotine dependence begin days to weeks after occasional use, often before the user begins smoking one stick each day. When a person quits smoking, dramatic changes in their brain rival the magnitude and duration of similar changes seen during withdrawal from cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. Many tobacco addicts want to quit but find stopping very difficult. Here are some interesting facts:
Answers: CIGARETTES CONTAIN the drug nicotine. This drug stimulates dopamine release and elevates dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is known as the master addiction molecule and high levels in the brain reinforce drug abuse.
Nicotine also stimulates the release of another substance called noradrenaline. Nicotine addicts become accustomed to high levels of these substances in the brain. They experience pleasure, elation and alertness as a consequence of drug use. Normally, nicotine is reabsorbed or quickly broken down by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). However, a cigarette is engineered so that the action of the enzyme is blocked and nicotine is unleashed and unabated.
TRIPLE CAUSES OF ADDICTION
Ultimately, nicotine changes the structure and function of the brain. It elevates dopamine levels, smokers have 25 per cent less MAO(A) and 40 per cent less MAO(B) than non-smokers. For the triple whammy, cigarettes are treated with ammonia that increases the absorption of nicotine 100 fold than tobacco in its natural state. Experts agree that it is similar to freebasing.
Symptoms of nicotine dependence begin days to weeks after occasional use, often before the user begins smoking one stick each day. When a person quits smoking, dramatic changes in their brain rival the magnitude and duration of similar changes seen during withdrawal from cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. Many tobacco addicts want to quit but find stopping very difficult. Here are some interesting facts: