Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs and is available in many forms including vapes, cigarettes and pouches.
The Alcohol, Cannabis, and Vaping team, within NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement department, has worked on a new, short video to explain and raise further awareness of the harms and effects of nicotine, across all its forms.
Nicotine affects the brain in several ways. It changes the dopamine system, which plays an important role in reward, mood and addiction. This can create a temporary feeling of pleasure, but over time the brain adapts, leading to tolerance and nicotine withdrawal.
When someone smokes or vapes regularly, their brain begins to expect frequent doses of nicotine. This dependence can make it much harder to stop smoking or vaping, even when they want to quit.
Learn more about the harms of smoking.
Learn more about the harms of vaping.
Clare McCool, Alcohol, Vaping & Cannabis – Team Leader, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Nicotine addiction is very hard to break as withdrawals trigger desire for more, however these symptoms will pass.
“It’s especially harmful to young people under 25 as they are more vulnerable to the side effects, as the brain is still developing.
“People quit in different ways, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
“If you have considered stopping smoking or vaping and would like further information or advice you can contact NHS Lanarkshire’s Quit Your Way team by calling 0800 84 84 84, visit www.QuitYourWay.scot”
