A chemical primarily influences tobacco smoking dependence in tobacco called nicotine. Nicotine is responsible for tobacco addiction. Nicotine travels within seconds to the brain after taking a puff of a cigarette. After getting into the brain, it elevates the release of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters which help regulate behaviour and mood. One of these neurotransmitters includes dopamine which is released in the brain’s reward centre, causing a feeling of better mood and pleasure. Note that the more you become used to cigarettes, the more nicotine you will require to feel good. Thus, nicotine quickly becomes intertwined with your feelings and habits, hence a daily routine.
What is Nicotine Dependence?
Typically, nicotine dependence happens when you constantly need nicotine and cannot quit using it. While nicotine in tobacco has pleasing effects on your brain, these effects are only temporary. Therefore, you will always be reaching out for another cigarette. Your smoking frequency significantly influences how much nicotine you need to feel good. Addiction comes when you try stopping and experience draining physical and mental changes indicating nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Regardless of the time you have spent smoking, you can always quit the habit to improve your overall health status. Even though it might not be easy, you can break this smoking dependence. Numerous effective treatment options such as longes, nicotine patches and gum are available, and you can always conquer your addiction. You can check out SnusDirect for fantastic nicotine replacement therapies. Additionally, discussing your therapy with your doctor to get the best option and the correct nicotine quantity is essential.
Risk Factors Influencing Tobacco Use
- Mental illnesses and Depression
Numerous studies depict that there is a significant association between smoking and depression. Persons having mental illnesses such as post-traumatic disorders, schizophrenia and depression are more likely to be smokers.
- Genetics
Your likelihood that you will be a smoker can be inherited. This is because genetic factors can influence how receptors on the surface of your brain’s nerve cells respond to the high nicotine intake from cigarettes.
- Age
Primarily, most people start smoking during their teen years. Note that the younger you are when you start smoking, the higher chances that you will become addicted in future.
- Peers and Parents
Children tend to keenly watch and be influenced by what people surrounding them do (source). For this reason, kids who grow up around parents who smoke will likely start smoking. On the other hand, if you grow up around peers who smoke, you will end up smoking at some point. This is especially true because teens tend to be curious about many things.
- Substance Abuse
If you abuse other drugs, such as alcohol and cocaine, you will likely be smoking too.
Why Should You Quit Smoking Tobacco?
Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals, with more than 60 of them being cancer-causing chemicals. While people might think otherwise, even herbal and natural cigarettes contain hazardous chemicals. Smoking tobacco causes numerous diseases, such as heart and circulatory issues, cancers, infertility, gum and tooth disease, diabetes, and delivery complications.
Remember, smoking can also be harmful to those around you.