What is Nicotine:
Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the leaves of the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) and some other plants in the Solanaceae family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. It is an alkaloid, which is a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that often have physiological effects on humans and other animals.
Nicotine is perhaps best known for its association with tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. When tobacco is smoked or chewed, nicotine is released and rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the mouth and lungs. This leads to its psychoactive effects, which include:
- Stimulation: Nicotine is a stimulant.
- Mood alteration
- Addictive properties: Nicotine is highly addictive, and it is one of the main reasons why tobacco products are habit-forming.
- Appetite suppression: Nicotine can reduce appetite, which is one unfortunate reason why some people use tobacco products for weight control.
While nicotine itself is considered carcinogenic (cancer-causing), the numerous other chemicals and toxins in tobacco smoke are responsible for the well-documented health risks associated with smoking, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. As a result, nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges have been developed to help people quit smoking by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking.
It’s important to note that nicotine use, even without smoking, carries health risks and can be addictive. Therefore, its use should be approached with caution, and quitting nicotine use altogether is generally recommended for maintaining good health.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 