Nicotine+and+Addictive+Properties

Nicotine is a central nervous system stimulant (Hart et al., 2012). Nicotine activates the rewards pathways in the brain (NIDA, 2013). Nicotine activates acetycholine receptors and induces the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (Britton, 2004 ** ). ** Nicotine also effects other neurotransmitters including: norepinephrine, serotonin, gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and endorphins (Jiloha, 2010). There is also a reduction in monoamine oxidase which are enzymes responsible for breaking down dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine (NIDA, 2013). Slowing the breakdown of these neurotransmitters, which will lead to an enhancement of the pleasurable effects of dopamine (Hart et al., 2012). In long-term smokers, there are long-term brain changes, which are induced by continued nicotine exposure (NIDA, 2013). Smokers develop tolerance and dependency to nicotine (Hart et al., 2012).


 * Nicotine’s Pharmacokinetic Properties**

Nicotine’s pharmacokinetic properties enhance the abuse potential, this is specifically due to the rapid onset of the effects and short duration of action (NIDA, 2013).
 * Rapid onset- smoking cigarettes produces a rapid distribution of nicotine to the brain and drug levels peak within the 10- 16 seconds of inhalation (faster than by intravenous injection)
 * Short term effect- the acute effects of nicotine dissipate quickly, the distributional half life of 15-20 minutes and a terminal half life in the blood of 2 hours) (Britton, 2004).


 * Nicotine’s Withdrawal**

Nicotine’s withdrawal symptoms will begin within a few hours of the last cigarette (NIDA, 2013). The symptoms will peak within the first few days and usually subside within a few weeks though there are some individual differences (NIDA, 2013). Specifically, hunger and intense cravings may persist for several months (Britton, 2004). The withdrawal symptoms of nicotine include:
 * Craving for tobacco (nicotine)
 * Irritability
 * Impatience
 * Frustration or anger
 * Anxiety
 * Difficulty concentrating
 * Restlessness
 * Decreased heart rate
 * Increased appetite
 * Weight gain
 * Depression
 * Disturbed sleep
 * Constipation
 * Difficulty socializing
 * Decreased levels of adrenaline and noradrenalin in urine
 * Altered electroencephalographic patterns while awake (increased slow waves) and while asleep (increased REM sleep)
 * Decrements in performance on a variety of cognitive tasks


 * (**Wonnacott, Russell & Stolerman, 1990)

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