Tobacco Addiction

Tobacco is a plant grown for its leaves, which are smoked, chewed, or sniffed. Tobacco contains a chemical called nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Research suggests that nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol.

In general, addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes a person to compulsively use a substance or engage in an activity despite the harm it causes to the person’s life, relationships, responsibilities, or health. Addictions can involve drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, food, and internet use, among other behaviors. An addiction can be physical – when the body actually adapts to the presence of a substance - or psychological – when the behavior is associated with stress or emotional states and not biological changes to the brain or body.

Most tobacco users are dependent on nicotine, and nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the United States. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco use carry many health risks, including cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

Quitting tobacco use is difficult and may require multiple attempts. Examples of nicotine withdrawal symptoms that you may experience while trying to quit tobacco use include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, restlessness, and increased appetite. Medications are available that reduce these withdrawal symptoms while you quit using tobacco.

There are no specific causes of addiction. There is no way to accurately predict who will become dependent on the use of a substance or activity.

Any substance or activity that is pleasurable can become an addiction by impacting the reward, motivation, and memory pathways of the brain.

Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that keeps you smoking or using other tobacco-containing products. Nicotine is very addictive, especially when delivered to the lungs by inhaling tobacco smoke. It increases the release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which help regulate mood and behavior. One of these neurotransmitters is dopamine, which may improve your mood and activate feelings of pleasure. Experiencing these effects from nicotine in tobacco is what makes tobacco so addictive.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor about quit-smoking support, including counseling and medications that ease cravings and withdrawal. Help significantly improves your chances of quitting for good.