By contacting the Smokers' Helpline for this booklet, you've taken the first step toward becoming tobacco-free. Quitting takes determination Anyone who has tried to quit using tobacco knows that it takes willpower and determination. Tobacco products contain an addictive substance called nicotine. Nicotine acts on your brain and affects your moods and actions. Chances are if you are currently smoking or chewing tobacco daily, you are probably addicted to nicotine.
Scientists believe that nicotine and other addictive substances change brain chemicals.
Increased brain chemical levels may be responsible for the pleasurable feelings you have when you use tobacco. Your body becomes used to increased brain chemicals. When you stop using tobacco those brain chemical levels go down, and you feel bad. This is called nicotine withdrawal. This is why tobacco use is so difficult to stop, and why you have to be ready to face this challenge before you commit to quit.