Tobacco products and others that contain nicotine create strong nicotine dependence in users. It is because of nicotine dependence that it is difficult to quit tobacco and nicotine products.
Nicotine dependence refers to the change in the number and function of central nervous system’s nicotine receptors, which are generated through nicotine use. Nicotine dependence is extremely potent
Tobacco and other nicotine products are intentionally designed to quickly induce dependence. Apart from physical nicotine dependence, the use of such products easily produces psychological and social dependence.
Dangers of nicotine
Regardless of where it comes from, nicotine is harmful in many ways: blood pressure rises, the veins in you limbs contract, heart rate increases, blood vessels gradually calcify, and the danger of cardiovascular disease rises. The function of the nervous system and hormone balance are disturbed, physical condition deteriorates by degrees, with sleeplessness, headaches, and sweating.
If you use snuff, the dose of nicotine you receive is on average greater than for a smoker. Some snuff is inevitably swallowed, and so many of the harmful substances that it contains enter are easily absorbed by the body through the stomach. Even small doses of nicotine alter endocrine modulation, put a strain on the heart, and interfere with the natural function of the stomach.
Withdrawal symptoms
Lack of nicotine causes withdrawal symptoms in people dependent on it. Withdrawal symptoms are caused by the drop in the level of nicotine in the blood and the body’s craving for more nicotine. A new dose of nicotine produces a sense of pleasure. It is dependence that induces the user to reach for his/her pack of cigarettes or snuffbox at regular intervals.
Withdrawal symptoms begin a few hours after the last dose of nicotine, and are at their worst a day or two after you’ve stopped using it.
The most common symptoms are depression, insomnia, irritability, frustration, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and increased appetite. The symptoms last on average for a month, but a vague hankering for a cigarette can last for up to six months.