How bad is nicotine for you?

[Betts]

I should reall look this up, and probably will. But I mean, if you can give up the cigarettes, which have all the thousands of nasty chemicalsan and terrifying health risks, etc. what are the health risks of just the nicotine? Say on a patch, an inhalator, lozenge etc.?

[Hidden]

Hi Betts

Nicotine is a drug and whilst I don't know the full extent of the health risks all drugs are addictive even those prescribed by a doctor so as far as I am aware, my own personal opinion is, that any addictive substance can not do your health any good at all.

Like you, I really should and will look it up but anything that is addictive and a drug I would have thought has to be bad even if it does take years to take its toll on your health.

Not really answered your question but just my own personal view.

Night Betts and sweet dreams and may catch you tomorrow.

[jillygirl Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi Betts , from what I can gather nicotine is the addictive drug or poison that goes straight to the brain.

hope this may help.

Facts about smoking

In this section: How smoking hurts your health

How people get addicted

Nicotine is one of the main ingredients in tobacco. Nicotine is a powerful drug that speeds up the brain and central nervous system. It triggers the release of a chemical in your brain (dopamine) that boosts your mood, makes you feel calm, and at the same time, can make you feel more alert. The nicotine in cigarette smoke is absorbed through the skin lining of the mouth and the nose. The nicotine level in your blood peaks within 10 seconds of inhaling (breathing in) cigarette smoke into your lungs.

Over time, your brain adjusts to the stimulation ("buzz") from nicotine and lowers your natural energy level or mood. You may then start to crave a cigarette for a boost. The more you smoke the more nicotine you need to feel good. Soon, your body craves nicotine to feel "normal." Being without nicotine for even a few hours can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, depression, anger, anxiety, and problems sleeping.

Withdrawal symptoms last about a week for most people. You can cope with them by knowing what to expect and finding other ways to handle cravings before you quit. Withdrawal symptoms are a sign that your body is healing. They won't last forever.

How behaviour feeds nicotine addition

The other part of nicotine addiction is behaviour. After months or years of smoking, cigarettes become a part of your daily life. You may light a cigarette out of habit as soon as you get into the car or when you drink a cup of coffee.

Smoking habits can also be formed by the way you feel - many smokers reach for a cigarette when they feel bored, stressed or angry. Even if you have been smoking for many years, you can learn to live without cigarettes. But it takes practice. It's important to know your triggers and plan how you will deal with each of them before you quit.

Fast facts about nicotine

Nicotine is an addictive drug that affects the brain and nervous system. At higher doses, nicotine is a poison that has been used as an insecticide

Nicotine has a powerful effect on the brain and the central nervous system

Within seven seconds, about one-quarter of the nicotine has gone through your bloodstream straight to the brain. The rest of the nicotine travels to other areas of the body

Nicotine causes a rise in heart rate and in the rate of breathing

Nicotine increases the tendency of the blood to clot and causes an increased need for oxygen, which makes the heart work harder.

[quit 14 Month Winner in reply to jillygirl]

Yes this is good / helpful.

I need to think about: "Smoking habits can also be formed by the way you feel - many smokers reach for a cigarette when they feel bored, stressed or angry. Even if you have been smoking for many years, you can learn to live without cigarettes. But it takes practice. It's important to know your triggers and plan how you will deal with each of them before you quit."

Thank you

Quit

[monky Administrator 35 Months Winner]

Aup Betts

Erm I dont think I can better Jillygirls advice on that gal

Take care now

[Betts]

Thanks jillygirl, at your fingertips, you are a mine of information. I am going to take this in, again, now.