Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsHow It WorksUsesLegalityRisksPotential BenefitsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
How It Works
Uses
Legality
Risks
Potential Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Nicotine is an addictive organic compound found in tobacco plants. It’s the chemical that makes smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping so hard to quit.
Nicotine is associated with many health risks and problems. Tobacco is linked to cancer of the mouth, throat, and lungs. Smoking cigarettes causes emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement therapy like gum, lozenges, and patches are used to help people quit smoking, chewing, and vaping.
This article discusses nicotine, how it is used, and the risks associated with tobacco. It also explains how nicotine replacement therapy can help you to quit smoking and chewing tobacco.
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Nicotine is a plant alkaloid, which means that it’s a naturally occurring chemical that contains nitrogen. It’s also ahighly addictivestimulant. Nicotine is most popularly known for its use in cigarettes and tobacco products, but it has some other uses.
Although nicotine is predominantly found in tobacco plants, it’s also present in tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and green pepper plants. While they all belong to the nightshade family, the quantities of nicotine in these other plants are much lower than in tobacco plants.
Nicotine Gum: What Is Bad for You When You Are Quitting Smoking?
How Nicotine Works
There are certain proteins in our bodies referred to as receptors. These receptors only receive specific neurotransmitters or chemicals. The receptors that nicotine binds to are callednicotinic-cholinergicreceptors. Nicotine is an agonist, which means that when it binds to receptors, it brings about a biological response.
Nicotinic-cholinergic receptors are found in many places in the body, including the brain, neuromuscular junctions (areas of chemical communication between nerves and muscles), the inner part of theadrenal gland, and ganglia (groups of nerve cells).
Nicotine’s stimulating abilities come from the fact that when it binds to receptors, neurotransmitters (messenger chemicals) like dopamine,acetylcholine, beta-endorphin,norepinephrine, serotonin, and ACTH are released in the body.
Some of these neurotransmitters—like dopamine, beta-endorphin, and serotonin—regulate pleasure, mood, emotion, and pain relief. The dopamine release, for instance, is what causes one to feel pleasure after smoking a cigarette.
Other neurotransmitters like acetylcholine control physiological responses like heart contractions and muscle movements. This is why a person’s heart rate might speed up, arteries constrict, or their blood pressure becomes elevated right after nicotine is consumed.
Nicotine has uses as a recreational drug, as a treatment for tobacco addiction, and as a pesticide.
Recreational
Nicotine is used as a recreational drug because of its mood-altering and pleasure-inducing effects. Nicotine use is very prevalent. More than 28 million adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes.
Yet, while cigarettes are the most common medium through which nicotine is consumed recreationally, there are other nicotine products likee-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, snuff,pouches, and pipe tobacco.
Continuous use of nicotine leads to long-term changes in the brain. The repeated dopamine release from nicotine consumption teaches the brain to keep using nicotine, and this leads to addiction.
Nicotine use and addiction can cause many illnesses, disabilities, and even death. Over 8 million people die worldwide every year as a direct result of tobacco use.Overcoming nicotine addiction is difficult. Only about 6% of smokers are successfully able to quit every year.
As of Dec. 20, 2019, thenew legal age limit is 21 years oldforpurchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products(including hookah tobacco) in the U.S.
What Is Nicotine?
Medical
Nicotine is used to help treat addiction to or dependence on smoking cigarettes. Quitting smoking abruptly can cause one to experience many severe effects and cravings called withdrawal symptoms. Products that deliver low doses of nicotine are sometimes used to ease quitting and manage withdrawal symptoms.
This form of treatment is callednicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT products contain less nicotine than cigarettes and do not contain many harmful chemicals typically found in cigarettes.
Pesticide
In the natural environment, nicotine protects tobacco plants from herbivores. Nicotine has been used as an insecticide for centuries, although its use this way has seriously dwindled.
In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency banned nicotine pesticides from being sold commercially in the United States.Nicotine pesticides are also banned in countries under the European Union.
Instead, chemicals calledneonicotinoidsare used in many pesticide products. Neonicotinoids are derived from nicotine and are chemically similar to nicotine. Aside from plant protection, they are also used for tick and flea control for pets.
In 2018, the European Commission banned the outdoor use of neonicotinoid pesticides due to public health concerns and potential threats to bees.In the U.S., many pesticides containing neonicotinoids have been banned, and some restrictions apply to the use of others still permitted for the same reasons as the European ban.
Nicotine and tobacco products are legal for sale to adults over the age of 21 in the United States. Prior to December 2019, the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in the U.S. was 18.While laws and age restrictions vary, nicotine and tobacco products are legal in most other countries in the world.
There are many health risks and side effects associated with using nicotine. Some of the health risks include:
Some of the side effects of nicotine use are:
Although conclusive research is still unavailable, nicotine may have some health benefits when taken long-term. These benefits include protection against illnesses and diseases like:
Nicotine may also help with weight loss.
A Word From Verywell
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and it’s advisable to avoid using it recreationally. If you’re trying to quit smoking and plan to use nicotine replacement therapy to ease the process, you should speak to your healthcare provider first.
Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:AnxietyCravings or urges to smoke, chew, or vapeDepressionDifficulty concentratingIncreased appetiteInsomniaIrritabilityMoodinessRestlessnessWeight gainLearn MoreNicotine Withdrawal Timeline and Symptoms
Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:AnxietyCravings or urges to smoke, chew, or vapeDepressionDifficulty concentratingIncreased appetiteInsomniaIrritabilityMoodinessRestlessnessWeight gain
Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:
Learn MoreNicotine Withdrawal Timeline and Symptoms
Nicotine has a reputation for relieving anxiety. Nicotine dependence is more common among people with ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression. Research suggests nicotine may play a role in relieving symptoms of these mental illnesses.At the same time, nicotine withdrawal can cause anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.The science isn’t clear on why people with mental health issues are more likely to use tobacco. It could be because it relieves symptoms or because withdrawal symptoms compound the underlying issues, making it harder to quit.
Nicotine has a reputation for relieving anxiety. Nicotine dependence is more common among people with ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression. Research suggests nicotine may play a role in relieving symptoms of these mental illnesses.
At the same time, nicotine withdrawal can cause anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.The science isn’t clear on why people with mental health issues are more likely to use tobacco. It could be because it relieves symptoms or because withdrawal symptoms compound the underlying issues, making it harder to quit.
Yes, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is safe to use. NRT does not cause death or disease as tobacco products do. The dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco is associated with chemicals other than nicotine. There is no evidence that NRT can cause health problems.Potential side effects of NRT include a rash from the nicotine patch or upset stomach, heartburn, and indigestion from nicotine gum or lozenges.
Yes, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is safe to use. NRT does not cause death or disease as tobacco products do. The dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco is associated with chemicals other than nicotine. There is no evidence that NRT can cause health problems.
Potential side effects of NRT include a rash from the nicotine patch or upset stomach, heartburn, and indigestion from nicotine gum or lozenges.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moldoveanu SC, Scott WA, Lawson DM.Nicotine analysis in several non-tobacco plant materials.Contrib Tob Res. 2016;27(2):54-59. doi:10.1515/cttr-2016-0008DrugBank Online.Nicotinic agonists.Brown DA.Acetylcholine and cholinergic receptors.Brain Neurosci Adv. 2019;3:2398212818820506. doi:10.1177/2398212818820506National Cancer Institute.Nicotine.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current cigarette smoking among adults in the United States.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is nicotine addictive?.World Health Organization.Tobacco.Federal Register.Nicotine; Product cancellation order.European Commission.Neonicotinoids.Environmental Protection Agency.EPA releases proposed interim decisions for neonicotinoids.Food and Drug Administration.Selling tobacco products in retail stores.Sanner T, Grimsrud TK.Nicotine: carcinogenicity and effects on response to cancer treatment—a review.Front Oncol. 2015;5:196. doi:10.3389/fonc.2015.00196Holbrook BD.The effects of nicotine on human fetal development.Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today. 2016;108(2):181-192. doi:10.1002/bdrc.21128D’Alessandro A, Boeckelmann I, Hammwhöner M, Goette A.Nicotine, cigarette smoking and cardiac arrhythmia: an overview.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2011;19(3):297-305. doi:10.1177/1741826711411738Barreto GE, Iarkov A, Moran VE.Beneficial effects of nicotine, cotinine and its metabolites as potential agents for Parkinson’s disease.Front Aging Neurosci. 2015;6:340. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00340Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Anti-inflammatory effects of nicotine in obesity and ulcerative colitis.J Transl Med.2011;9,129. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-9-129Centers for Disease Control And Prevention.Tips from former smokers: 7 common withdrawal symptoms and what you can do about them.Kutlu MG, Parikh V, Gould TJ.Nicotine addiction and psychiatric disorders.Int Rev Neurobiol. 2015;124:171-208. doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2015.08.004University of Rochester Medical Center.Nicotine cotinine (urine).Additional ReadingChaturvedi P, Mishra A, Datta S, Sinukumar S, Joshi P, Garg A.Harmful effects of nicotine.Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol. 2015;36(1):24. doi:10.4103/0971-5851.151771PubChem.Nicotine.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moldoveanu SC, Scott WA, Lawson DM.Nicotine analysis in several non-tobacco plant materials.Contrib Tob Res. 2016;27(2):54-59. doi:10.1515/cttr-2016-0008DrugBank Online.Nicotinic agonists.Brown DA.Acetylcholine and cholinergic receptors.Brain Neurosci Adv. 2019;3:2398212818820506. doi:10.1177/2398212818820506National Cancer Institute.Nicotine.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current cigarette smoking among adults in the United States.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is nicotine addictive?.World Health Organization.Tobacco.Federal Register.Nicotine; Product cancellation order.European Commission.Neonicotinoids.Environmental Protection Agency.EPA releases proposed interim decisions for neonicotinoids.Food and Drug Administration.Selling tobacco products in retail stores.Sanner T, Grimsrud TK.Nicotine: carcinogenicity and effects on response to cancer treatment—a review.Front Oncol. 2015;5:196. doi:10.3389/fonc.2015.00196Holbrook BD.The effects of nicotine on human fetal development.Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today. 2016;108(2):181-192. doi:10.1002/bdrc.21128D’Alessandro A, Boeckelmann I, Hammwhöner M, Goette A.Nicotine, cigarette smoking and cardiac arrhythmia: an overview.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2011;19(3):297-305. doi:10.1177/1741826711411738Barreto GE, Iarkov A, Moran VE.Beneficial effects of nicotine, cotinine and its metabolites as potential agents for Parkinson’s disease.Front Aging Neurosci. 2015;6:340. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00340Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Anti-inflammatory effects of nicotine in obesity and ulcerative colitis.J Transl Med.2011;9,129. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-9-129Centers for Disease Control And Prevention.Tips from former smokers: 7 common withdrawal symptoms and what you can do about them.Kutlu MG, Parikh V, Gould TJ.Nicotine addiction and psychiatric disorders.Int Rev Neurobiol. 2015;124:171-208. doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2015.08.004University of Rochester Medical Center.Nicotine cotinine (urine).Additional ReadingChaturvedi P, Mishra A, Datta S, Sinukumar S, Joshi P, Garg A.Harmful effects of nicotine.Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol. 2015;36(1):24. doi:10.4103/0971-5851.151771PubChem.Nicotine.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Moldoveanu SC, Scott WA, Lawson DM.Nicotine analysis in several non-tobacco plant materials.Contrib Tob Res. 2016;27(2):54-59. doi:10.1515/cttr-2016-0008DrugBank Online.Nicotinic agonists.Brown DA.Acetylcholine and cholinergic receptors.Brain Neurosci Adv. 2019;3:2398212818820506. doi:10.1177/2398212818820506National Cancer Institute.Nicotine.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current cigarette smoking among adults in the United States.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is nicotine addictive?.World Health Organization.Tobacco.Federal Register.Nicotine; Product cancellation order.European Commission.Neonicotinoids.Environmental Protection Agency.EPA releases proposed interim decisions for neonicotinoids.Food and Drug Administration.Selling tobacco products in retail stores.Sanner T, Grimsrud TK.Nicotine: carcinogenicity and effects on response to cancer treatment—a review.Front Oncol. 2015;5:196. doi:10.3389/fonc.2015.00196Holbrook BD.The effects of nicotine on human fetal development.Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today. 2016;108(2):181-192. doi:10.1002/bdrc.21128D’Alessandro A, Boeckelmann I, Hammwhöner M, Goette A.Nicotine, cigarette smoking and cardiac arrhythmia: an overview.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2011;19(3):297-305. doi:10.1177/1741826711411738Barreto GE, Iarkov A, Moran VE.Beneficial effects of nicotine, cotinine and its metabolites as potential agents for Parkinson’s disease.Front Aging Neurosci. 2015;6:340. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00340Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Anti-inflammatory effects of nicotine in obesity and ulcerative colitis.J Transl Med.2011;9,129. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-9-129Centers for Disease Control And Prevention.Tips from former smokers: 7 common withdrawal symptoms and what you can do about them.Kutlu MG, Parikh V, Gould TJ.Nicotine addiction and psychiatric disorders.Int Rev Neurobiol. 2015;124:171-208. doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2015.08.004University of Rochester Medical Center.Nicotine cotinine (urine).
Moldoveanu SC, Scott WA, Lawson DM.Nicotine analysis in several non-tobacco plant materials.Contrib Tob Res. 2016;27(2):54-59. doi:10.1515/cttr-2016-0008
DrugBank Online.Nicotinic agonists.
Brown DA.Acetylcholine and cholinergic receptors.Brain Neurosci Adv. 2019;3:2398212818820506. doi:10.1177/2398212818820506
National Cancer Institute.Nicotine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Current cigarette smoking among adults in the United States.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Is nicotine addictive?.
World Health Organization.Tobacco.
Federal Register.Nicotine; Product cancellation order.
European Commission.Neonicotinoids.
Environmental Protection Agency.EPA releases proposed interim decisions for neonicotinoids.
Food and Drug Administration.Selling tobacco products in retail stores.
Sanner T, Grimsrud TK.Nicotine: carcinogenicity and effects on response to cancer treatment—a review.Front Oncol. 2015;5:196. doi:10.3389/fonc.2015.00196
Holbrook BD.The effects of nicotine on human fetal development.Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today. 2016;108(2):181-192. doi:10.1002/bdrc.21128
D’Alessandro A, Boeckelmann I, Hammwhöner M, Goette A.Nicotine, cigarette smoking and cardiac arrhythmia: an overview.Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2011;19(3):297-305. doi:10.1177/1741826711411738
Barreto GE, Iarkov A, Moran VE.Beneficial effects of nicotine, cotinine and its metabolites as potential agents for Parkinson’s disease.Front Aging Neurosci. 2015;6:340. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00340
Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Anti-inflammatory effects of nicotine in obesity and ulcerative colitis.J Transl Med.2011;9,129. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-9-129
Centers for Disease Control And Prevention.Tips from former smokers: 7 common withdrawal symptoms and what you can do about them.
Kutlu MG, Parikh V, Gould TJ.Nicotine addiction and psychiatric disorders.Int Rev Neurobiol. 2015;124:171-208. doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2015.08.004
University of Rochester Medical Center.Nicotine cotinine (urine).
Chaturvedi P, Mishra A, Datta S, Sinukumar S, Joshi P, Garg A.Harmful effects of nicotine.Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol. 2015;36(1):24. doi:10.4103/0971-5851.151771PubChem.Nicotine.
Chaturvedi P, Mishra A, Datta S, Sinukumar S, Joshi P, Garg A.Harmful effects of nicotine.Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol. 2015;36(1):24. doi:10.4103/0971-5851.151771
PubChem.Nicotine.
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