Although there is genetic and biochemical research that describes some of the various and powerful effects of nicotine, such complex issues and controversies are outside of Nicotine Anonymous. These effects may be masked by how easy it is to acquire and maintain an adequate supply. Often, only when a nicotine user runs out and he or she has to suddenly run out to get their drug in the middle of whatever they are doing, do the telltale withdrawal symptoms reveal the truth. You can review the pamphlet Introducing Nicotine Anonymous for further information about the behavior patterns of a nicotine addict. Scientists have found, for instance, that nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine or amphetamines, and for most people more addictive than alcohol, states the article Nicotine, Harder to Kick than Heroin, published in the New York Times Magazine.
Tobacco use is familiar behavior that still occurs in many public areas.
This may give the false impression, especially to children, that tobacco is safe to use. Our Addiction Our use of nicotine made our lives unmanageable and most likely affected others. We have come to accept that nicotine addiction is a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual disease. Nicotine use affected our behavior and attitudes. The continual desire for nicotine patterned our thinking and we believed we could not live without it.