Nicotine Dependence
Nicotine Dependence
Nicotine Dependence
NNicotine is a widely used stimulant that has psychoactive properties. Once nicotine enters the bloodstream, it is transported to the brain, where it binds to receptors that increase the levels of several neurotransmitters— such as dopamine — which activate the reward system. These actions are largely responsible for the strongly reinforcing and highly addictive effects of nicotine.
Prevalence
There are approximately one billion people in the world who smoke tobacco of which nicotine is a constituent. It is estimated that half of smokers (and one-third of former smokers) are dependent on nicotine. Recent US data suggests that the rates of daily smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per day are declining. Some people groups are more likely to smoke than the average population, such as those with low education or low socioeconomic status and those with mental illness. Rates in these groups are stable or increasing. Men smoke at higher rates than do women and score higher on dependence criteria.
Symptoms of Nicotine Dependence:
Nicotine dependence is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by:
After cessation of drug use, there is a strong tendency to relapse.
Cause of nicotine dependence:
The exact cause of nicotine dependence is not fully understood, but genetic and environmental factors have both been implicated. Cultural habits have in some ways trained people to think that smoking is enjoyable and necessary during certain events like drinking alcohol, driving, or taking work breaks. People more likely to smoke are those whose peers or parents smoke, those who already abuse alcohol and other drugs, and those who have depression, PTSD, or other forms of mental illness.
Risk factors for Nicotine Dependence
Experts argue that it is the other constituents of tobacco that are carcinogenic, not nicotine. Since nicotine dependence can lead to heavy smoking, people with this condition are at increased risk of developing:
Nicotine Dependence treatment
Treatment options for nicotine dependence include a combination of medication and psychosocial interventions, which has been shown to be highly effective.
Symptoms of Nicotine Dependence:
Nicotine dependence is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by:
After cessation of drug use, there is a strong tendency to relapse.
Causes of Nicotine Dependence:
The exact cause of nicotine dependence is not fully understood, but genetic and environmental factors have both been implicated. Cultural habits have in some ways trained people to think that smoking is enjoyable and necessary during certain events like drinking alcohol, driving, or taking work breaks. People more likely to smoke are those whose peers or parents smoke, those who already abuse alcohol and other drugs, and those who have depression, PTSD, or other forms of mental illness.
Risks of Nicotine Dependence:
Experts argue that it is the other constituents of tobacco that are carcinogenic, not nicotine. Since nicotine dependence can lead to heavy smoking, people with this condition are at increased risk of developing:
.