In addition to nicotine, tobacco contains other pharmacological actions that reinforce its use. For example, research suggest that something in the smoke of cigarettes, separate from the chemical actions of nicotine, results in higher levels of dopamine in the brain, and may produce enhanced pleasure from the use of tobacco. Studies of tobacco and non-tobacco users show no significant differences in performance. Nicotine can impair performance when a person experiences withdrawal symptoms. Performance impairment has been observed within 4 hours of tobacco deprivation.
Nicotine does enhance attention, finger tapping, and under certain conditions, memory.
Nicotine deprivation increases stress and negative mood states, and tobacco use can reverse these changes. Nicotine withdrawal is characterized by feeling of stress, anger, and irritability. Using tobacco rapidly reverses such negative moods. There are so many different types of tobacco users, that each person must create their own plan to reduce or quit their tobacco use. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.