Nicotine dependence does not show the same kind of psychological and spiritual deterioration that is seen with other substances. Wherever nicotine dependence and alcohol dependence co-exist, the effect from a disease standpoint tends to be synergistic, i.e., you are more likely to develop cancer of the pharynx from the combination of smoking and drinking than you are from either one alone. Statistically speaking in any individual who is nicotine dependent and also alcohol or drug dependent, the likelihood is greater that they will die from their nicotine dependence than from alcohol or cocaine addiction. Alcohol dependent persons consistently describe quitting cigarettes as more difficult than quitting alcohol. It is important to understand the evolution and progression of nicotine habituation.
Nicotine dependence is essentially a pediatric addiction.
The factors that go into establishing nicotine addiction are diverse and not clearly understood. Image consciousness, rebelliousness and non-conformity, peer pressure and messages in the media and advertising are all factors. Growing up in a smoking household is a risk factor for nicotine dependence, although this factor does not appear to be as strong as peer pressure. Whatever the factors that lead to initiation of smoking, the progression ultimately depends upon addiction to the drug nicotine. Nicotine is a unique substance.