Nicotine Addiction Explained
Understanding the effects of nicotine
Understanding the effects of nicotine
Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs and is available in many forms including vapes, cigarettes and pouches.
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.
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Nicotine Withdrawals
Reducing nicotine overtime may help you stop completely
When a person is addicted to nicotine and stops using it, their body and brain have to get used to not having nicotine.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Trouble sleeping
- Problems concentrating
- Craving nicotine
- Headaches
Please remember these symptoms will pass after a few days.
Cutting down on nicotine vaping gradually can make quitting easier. This gives your body time to adjust to lower nicotine levels.
Nicotine and Young People
Why nicotine is more harmful for young people
In Scotland children as young as 11 years old have said they’ve used vapes. By the time they’re 15 years old, around a third of young people report having tried it.
Young people are particularly vulnerable, as their brains are still developing until they’re 25. Nicotine can interfere with brain development, affecting areas responsible for learning, memory, and attention.
Mental Health Impact
Nicotine affects mood and can lead to anxiety, depression, and increased stress levels. Young people are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues when exposed to nicotine, which can alter brain function during this crucial developmental period.
Physical Health Impact
Nicotine raises blood pressure and increases heart rate, which can increase the risk of heart and blood vessel health issues in young people.
Quitting nicotine is hard but it is possible
People quit in different ways, you can try:
- Understanding your triggers to what makes you want to vape/smoke.
- Find a healthy distraction e.g. Chew gum, drink water, or use a stress ball.
- Relax to beat stress – Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and breathe out for 4 seconds. Do this for a few minutes.
- Set small goals, this could be no nicotine for a few hours, then increasing the time between to days and weeks.
- Ask for support.
- Be kind to yourself – if you slip up don’t be too hard on yourself, keep going.
Learn more about the harms of smoking.
Learn more about the harms of vaping.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm.
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
Complete our short sign up form, select your local or nearest area, leave your name, preferred contact method, and we will be in touch with you.
