Question

Causes And Symptoms Of Nicotine Addiction!

Dr.Neha Salhotra · Accepted Answer

Nicotine addiction or tobacco addiction refers to an acute dependence upon tobacco products primarily due to the presence of the nicotine drug. In other words, nicotine addiction refers to an inability to stop using tobacco products despite the knowledge and awareness that it is harmful to you. While nicotine only induces addiction, it is the presence of other substances in tobacco which makes it damaging and injurious to health.

Nicotine has the tendency to produce effects in the brain, both physical as well as mind-altering, that give temporary satisfaction. This is precisely why people get hooked into the habit of tobacco consumption which eventually leads to addiction. Unfortunately, stopping tobacco use immediately can also lead to several withdrawal symptoms, like agitation and restlessness.

As per a data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), India has 12 per cent of the world's smokers. Over a million people die every year due to the ailments caused by tobacco abuse in India. Smokeless tobacco is also a very prevalent substance abuse in India.

Common uses of tobacco

Tobacco is used in cigarettes, pipes and cigars. It is also widely used for chewing or sniffed in powdered form. 'Bidis' and hookahs are also alternatives to cigarette smoking which many foolishly believe are less harmful than cigarettes.

Causes

The main reason why tobacco is so addictive is due to the fact that nicotine releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine in the reward centre; of the brain, which in turn improves your mood and gives you temporary pleasure.

Causes of nicotine addiction can either be physical or behavioural, for instance, situations or feelings which make you crave for tobacco. These include:

1. Specific times during the day, say after every meal or during breaks at work
2. While defecating
3. While drinking alcohol
4. Stressful or depressive situations
5. At the sight or smell of a burning cigarette
6. Peer pressure
7. While driving

Symptoms

Symptoms of nicotine addiction include:

1. You are unable to quit smoking despite frequent attempts.
2. You experience withdrawal symptoms after attempting to quit.
3. You continue to smoke despite the awareness that it is injurious to your health.
4. You forego social as well as recreational activities because of your need to smoke.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms of withdrawal symptoms include:

Urges to smoke or cravings
Restlessness or difficulty concentrating
Sleeping difficulties and sleep disturbances
Irritability, anger, anxiety, crying, sadness or depression
Increase in hunger or weight gain
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
Mouth ulcers
Treatments Available for Nicotine Addiction:

Counselling Treatments:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Mindfulness
Telephone support and quitlines
Smoking Cessation for Pregnant Women
Medical Treatment :

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Bupropion
Varenicline
Medication combinations
Other antidepressants
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - This is the latest approach to treat nicotine addiction.

Whom should the patient consult if he decides to quit:

If the patient has made his mind to quit smoking and other ways of nicotine consumption, he should directly visit a Psychiatrist who will help him/her in strengthening the willpower against such substances.

The nicotine addiction is curable but requires a high level of motivation to quit as it is the most addictive substance in the world. It makes people dependent on it and becomes almost impossible to quit.

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