This article discusses what nicotine does to the body.
Common Short-Term Side Effects of Nicotine
Nicotine affects both the body and mind.
Nicotine then triggers chemical reactions that temporarily boost feelings of pleasure and concentration.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Surgeon General.Although cigarette smoking is on the decline, vape and e-cigarette use are on the rise.
But these sensations are short-lived, subsiding within minutes.
Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
Signs of Use
Cigarette smell is easy to detect on someone who smokes.
If you don’t fulfill these cravings, withdrawal symptoms can be intense.
you might quickly build a tolerance to nicotine, needing more to reach the desired effect.
This is one reason why it’s so hard (but not impossible) toquit smoking.
How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System?
Nicotine is metabolized mainly in the liver and is excreted in urine and feces.
It also increases the level ofdopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Should nicotine levels drop, the person will begin to feel edgy and agitated.
To set yourself up for success, prepare by choosing a quit day.
Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) can be effective in quitting the nicotine habit.
They will help you answer important questions, such as: What is getting in your way of quitting?
How can you align your values with your actions?
In amindfulnesssession, a counselor teaches you how to detach yourself from your cravings for nicotine.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Chantix works by reducing the feeling of pleasure a person gets when they use nicotine.
Both Chantix and Zyban can also help relieve the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Zyban can also help reduce nicotine cravings.
Potential side effects can include headache, nausea,mood changes, trouble sleeping, and seizures.
A doctor might also recommend nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) separately or in addition to another medication.
NRT administers small amounts of nicotine without the other toxins in cigarettes and other nicotine products.
It can help reduce cravings during nicotine cessation and lessen nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Let your friends and family know that you’re quitting.
By enlisting their support, you improve your chances of success.
If you have friends or family who use nicotine, you might request that they refrain around you.
Make a list ofsmoke-free social activities to engage in, such as going to the movies or a museum.
Know your triggers to use nicotine, and have a plan to avoid or cope with them.
How to Get Help
Behavioral support can help you quit.
With perseverance, however, freedom from nicotine addiction is doable, rewarding you with proven benefits.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
That’s because cigarettes also contain tar and other known carcinogens.
While it’s possible, most people find it easy to stop using nicotine medicine after several months.
In general, these products deliver nicotine to your body more slowly and in smaller doses than smoking.
Yes, overdose is possible, though not common.
Most often, nicotine poisoning comes up whenever children mistake nicotine gum or lozenges for candy.
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