Nicotine: The Deadliest

Legal Drug
By: Christian
Darby-Ward
Class: Health
Period: 2nd
Date: 02-16-2024
What is Nicotine?

● Nicotine, discovered in 1828 by German chemists Wilhelm

Heinrich Posselt and Karl Ludwig Reimann, is a naturally
occurring compound present in tobacco plants such as Nicotiana
tabacum and Nicotiana rustica. It serves as a highly addictive
substance that acts as a stimulant in small doses.

● Known primarily for its association with tobacco products like

cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, nicotine stimulates
the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which
contributes to its addictive properties.
Forms of Consumption #1
Smokeless Tobacco (3)
Smoking Cigarettes (1)
● Consumed orally, either by chewing tobacco or
● Inhaled through smoking tobacco wrapped in paper. placing snuff between the gums and lips.
● Nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the ● Nicotine is absorbed through the mucous
lungs. membranes in the mouth.
● Quick absorption results in rapid effects on the brain. ● Provides a slower release of nicotine compared to
smoking, but still addictive and harmful to oral
health.
Vaping/Electronic Cigarettes (2)
1 2 3
● Vaporization of a liquid solution containing nicotine.
● Inhaled through an electronic device (e-cigarette).
● Nicotine enters the bloodstream via inhalation of the vapor.
● Often perceived as less harmful than traditional smoking
Forms of Consumption #2
Heat-not-burn (4)
No Tobacco Nicotine pouches (5)
● Utilizes lower temperatures to heat
● Tobacco-free pouches containing purified
tobacco or nicotine-containing nicotine, flavors, and plant-based fibers.
substances. ● Placed between the gum and cheek for
● Users inhale resulting aerosol for nicotine nicotine delivery without burning or spitting.
● Higher concentration of nicotine compared to
delivery.
traditional smokeless tobacco products.
● Long-term health effects still under
5
investigation.

4
Why People Choose/Take Nicotine
● Legal Status: Nicotine is readily accessible due to its legal status, making it a
convenient option for those seeking a psychoactive substance without legal
repercussions.
● Peer Pressure & Social Acceptance: Peer influence and societal norms play a
significant role in the decision to use nicotine, as it is often associated with
socializing and fitting in with certain social groups.
● Accessibility: Nicotine products are ubiquitous in today's society, available in various
forms such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco, making them easily
obtainable for individuals of all ages.
● Stress Relief: Nicotine is commonly used as a means of alleviating stress and
tension, with individuals turning to its calming effects during challenging or
overwhelming situations.
● Habituation: Prolonged use of nicotine can lead to both physical and psychological
dependence, resulting in a habitual pattern of consumption that is difficult to break
without proper intervention.
● Misguided Perception of Harm: Many individuals underestimate the health risks
associated with nicotine use, often perceiving it as less harmful than other
substances due to its legal status and widespread availability.
10 Street Names (Slang) and Uses

● Cigs: Short form for cigarettes, typically referring to tobacco wrapped in paper.

● Smokes: Slang term for cigarettes, commonly used in informal settings.

● Cancer Sticks: Colloquial term highlighting the health risks associated with smoking.

● Squares: Informal term for cigarettes, often used in urban settings.

● Fags: Informal term primarily used in some English-speaking countries for cigarettes.

● Stogies: Informal term for cigars, larger rolled tobacco products.

● Darts: Slang term for cigarettes, particularly used in some regions or among specific groups.

● Rollies: Short for roll-your-own cigarettes, where the smoker rolls their tobacco into paper.

● Cancerettes: Derogatory term highlighting the health risks of smoking, similar to "cancer sticks."

● Tabs: Informal term for cigarettes, occasionally used in certain social circles or regions.
Drugs used in combination with Nicotine
● Nicotine and caffeine: Often found together in cigarettes and
other tobacco products, combining these stimulants can
heighten alertness and increase heart rate.
● Nicotine and Ethanol (Alcohol): Frequently co-used, this
combination can enhance the addictive properties of both
substances and increase the risk of alcohol dependence.
● Nicotine and THC (Cannabis): Concurrent use of nicotine and
cannabis can lead to intensified psychoactive effects and
potential impairment of cognitive functions.

● Nicotine and prescription medications (e.g., antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs): Combining nicotine
with certain medications may alter their effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse reactions.
● Nicotine and opioids: Co-administration of nicotine and opioids can potentiate each other's effects,
potentially leading to increased dependence and tolerance.
Popular age group of abuse #1
● The graph illustrates that the age group
35-44 yrs exhibits the highest incidence of
nicotine abuse.

● The 35-44 age group shows the highest

nicotine abuse rates due to a combination
of increased stress, established smoking
habits from exposure to pervasive
glamorized cigarette ads during their
formative years, and in general more
nicotine users in that age range.
Popular age group of abuse #2 (Ad Examples)
Short term effects
● Increased heart rate and blood pressure
● Changes in appetite and taste perception
● Temporary increase in alertness and concentration
● Irritability and mood swings
● Potential nausea or dizziness
Long term effects
● Increased risk of
cardiovascular diseases
such as heart attacks
and strokes
● Development of
respiratory issues like
chronic bronchitis and
emphysema
● Greater susceptibility to
various cancers,
particularly lung cancer
● Accelerated aging of the
skin and premature
wrinkles
● Potential harm to
reproductive health,
including infertility
Withdrawal effects
● Intense cravings for nicotine
● Irritability, anxiety, and
restlessness
● Difficulty concentrating and
insomnia
● Increased appetite and
weight gain
● Depression and mood
swings
Interesting facts
● Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known, often
compared to heroin and cocaine in terms of addiction potential.
● Nicotine reaches the brain within seconds of inhalation, leading to
its rapid effects on mood and behavior.
● Nicotine is naturally found in tobacco plants but can also be
synthetically produced.
● The nicotine content in cigarettes can vary widely depending on
factors like tobacco type and brand.
● Nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gums,
deliver controlled doses of nicotine to help people quit smoking.
● In its pure form, nicotine is a colorless, oily liquid that turns brown
when exposed to air.
● Nicotine activates the release of dopamine in the brain,
contributing to its addictive nature.
● Secondhand smoke from cigarettes contains nicotine and other
harmful chemicals, posing risks to non-smokers.
● Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as a few hours
after the last use of tobacco.
● Nicotine can cross the placental barrier, potentially harming fetal
development if consumed during pregnancy.
Treatment & Support

Help is available
If you or someone you know is suffering from nicotine addiction, there are various types of treatments available to help
overcome this challenging dependency. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency
management, have shown effectiveness in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. Additionally, medications like
nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline can aid in managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Seeking support from counselors, support groups, or helplines can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement
throughout the recovery journey. In Georgia, individuals can access resources such as the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line
(1-877-270-STOP) and the Georgia Department of Public Health's Smoking & Tobacco Use Cessation Program for tailored
assistance and support. Prominent treatment centers in Georgia include the Atlanta Center for Behavioral Medicine
(https://www.abmpsych.com/) and the Talbott Recovery Campus (https://talbottcampus.com/), both offering
comprehensive programs for nicotine addiction treatment. Remember, seeking help is the first step towards reclaiming
control of your health and well-being.
Sources/References #1
● https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/treat-nicotine-addiction
● https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/understanding-nicotine-withdrawa
l-symptoms
● https://www.verywellmind.com/nicotine-addiction-101-2825018
● https://www.britannica.com/science/nicotine
● https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193858/
● https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nicotine-dependence/sympto
ms-causes/syc-20351584
● https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/safeguarding/what-is-nicotine/
● https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9361466/
Sources/References #2
● https://granitevapor.com/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-nicotine/
● https://fluentslang.com/slang-for-nicotine/
● https://urbanthesaurus.org/synonyms/nicotine#:~:text=According%20to%20t
he%20algorithm%20behind%20Urban%20Thesaurus%2C%20the,the%20gr
ouch%2C%20poor%20mans%20crack%2C%20and%20rough%20night.
● https://fluentslang.com/slang-for-cigarettes/
● https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/articles/nicotine-and-the-brain-ho
w-nicotine-affects-the-brain
● https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240820#:~:text=Tobacco%20w
as%20first%20used%20as%20an%20insecticide%20in,begun%20to%20real
ize%20the%20harmful%20effects%20of%20nicotine.