Overview

Nicotine dependence occurs when you cannot stop using nicotine, the chemical in tobacco that makes it hard to quit. Smoking tobacco produces temporary pleasing effects in the brain, leading to a cycle of reaching for another cigarette to maintain those effects.

Over time, as you smoke more, you need increasing amounts of nicotine to feel good. Attempts to quit smoking result in unpleasant mental and physical changes known as nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Stopping smoking, regardless of how long you've smoked, can significantly improve your health. While it may not be easy, breaking your dependence on nicotine is possible with the help of effective treatments and support. Consult your doctor for assistance in quitting smoking.

Symptoms of Nicotine Dependence

Signs that you may be addicted to nicotine include:

• Inability to stop smoking despite serious attempts to quit.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop, such as strong cravings, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and more.
• Continuing to smoke despite having health problems related to smoking.
• Giving up social activities to smoke in certain situations.

When to See a Doctor

If you've tried to stop smoking without success, know that you're not alone. Most smokers make multiple attempts to quit before achieving long-term abstinence. To increase your chances of success, follow a treatment plan that addresses both the physical and behavioral aspects of nicotine dependence. Consider using medications and seeking help from a tobacco treatment specialist to quit smoking effectively.

Causes of Nicotine Dependence

Nicotine is the addictive chemical in tobacco that keeps you smoking. When you smoke, nicotine reaches your brain quickly and increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which cause feelings of pleasure and improved mood. As you smoke more, nicotine becomes ingrained in your daily routine and habits, making it difficult to quit.

Common situations that trigger the urge to smoke include drinking coffee, taking breaks at work, talking on the phone, drinking alcohol, driving, and spending time with friends. To overcome nicotine dependence, it's essential to become aware of your triggers and develop a plan to deal with them.

Complications of Nicotine Dependence

Smoking tobacco exposes you to more than 60 known cancer-causing chemicals and thousands of other harmful substances. It can lead to a wide range of health problems, including:

• Lung cancer and lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Other cancers, including cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, and more.
• Heart and circulatory system problems, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Diabetes, by increasing insulin resistance and worsening diabetes complications.
• Eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Infertility and impotence.
• Complications during pregnancy, such as preterm delivery and low birth weight babies.
• Increased risk of respiratory infections, tooth, and gum disease.
• Health risks to those around you, including higher risk of lung cancer and heart disease for nonsmoking spouses and children.

Prevention of Nicotine Dependence

The best way to prevent nicotine dependence is to not use tobacco in the first place. For parents, not smoking yourself and successfully quitting smoking can significantly reduce the likelihood of your children taking up smoking. Providing a smoke-free environment can help prevent nicotine dependence in others as well.