What is Nicotine and is it addictive?

Yes, nicotine is addictive. Most smokers use tobacco regularly because they are addicted to nicotine. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) nicotine dependence is included under the general definition of substance dependence. The criteria for substance dependence is based on a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiologic symptoms indicating that the individual continues use of the substance despite significant substance-related problems (DiFranza, par 1). The definition of nicotine dependence has 7 criteria, and the DSM-IV requires a person to meet at least 3 of the 7 to be considered nicotine dependent (DeFranza, par 2).

In the United States, it is estimated that 18 percent of pregnant women smoke during their pregnancies. This number is quite high, but in defense of mothers who smoke, most want to stop however find it very difficult to quit. “Most smokers identify tobacco use as harmful and express a desire to reduce or stop using it” (Tobacco, 3). An estimated 35 million smokers report wanting to quit smoking each year, but unfortunately only about 6 percent are successful for more than a month.

There are more than 4,000 chemicals found in the smoke of tobacco products. Of these, nicotine is the primary reinforcing component of tobacco that acts on the brain (Tobacco, 2). A key brain chemical involved in medicating the desire to consume drugs is the neurotransmitter dopamine. Research has shown that nicotine increases levels of dopamine in the reward circuits which is what creates the pleasurable sensations experienced by smokers.

Nicotine’s pharmacokinetic properties also enhance its abuse potential. Cigarette smoking produces a rapid distribution of nicotine to the brain, with drug levels peaking within 10 seconds of inhalation. The acute effects of nicotine diminish within a few minutes, along with the feelings of reward. To prevent withdrawal, the smoker has to continue dosing in order to maintain the drug’s pleasurable effects (Tobacco, 3).

Citation:

DiFfanza, Joseph R. “ Implications of the Autonomy Theory of Nicotine Dependence” Medscape General Medicine. (28 Aug. 2002). 14 Apr. 2007.
<www.medscape.com/viewarticle/440407>

“Tobacco Addiction.” National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Report Series. 2006. 10 Apr. 2007.
<http://www.nida.nih.gov/PDF/RRTobacco.pdf>