9781422272282

NICOTINE MAY WORSEN THE ADDICTION RISK FOR OTHER DRUGS

Studies have found that the vast majority of people in rehab for drug addiction also smoke or use vaporizers. There is a clear reason for this—nicotine helps to prepare the mind and body for other drugs. In this way, nicotine may be one of the worst gateway drugs of all time. Even heavy alcohol users may be prone to smoking or using vaporizers, even if they don’t normally abuse nicotine outside of drinking hours.

the exact chemical changes produced by the substance will vary, the cycle of dependency centers on the artificial release of high levels of hormones and the body’s increasing reliance on the chemicals in order to feel healthy and normal. The relapse rates for nicotine use, unfortunately, are not very promising. Studies have found that 60 to 90 percent of smokers who try to quit end up picking up cigarettes again within a year. It is only when people can stay off the drug for more than two years that the long-term relapse rate declines. Why does nicotine cause such a high rate of addiction? And how does it impact a person’s recovery and chances of quitting? To answer those questions, it is important to examine more factors about the addictive potential of nicotine and the different ways that it affects the brain.

11

The Addictive Effects of Nicotine