Nicotine and its Effects

Did you know that within 10 seconds of taking that drag off a cigarette, your brain has gotten a hit of nicotine? What happens next is the creation of a pleasure loop. Nicotine mimics a neurotransmitter that binds to “nicotine” receptors in the brain. In turn, these receptors stimulate certain neurons, and this increases the amount of dopamine circulating in the brain. New research has shown that nicotine decreases an enzyme responsible for breaking down dopamine. This means there is even more dopamine circulating through the brain and body. Dopamine activates reward pathways. This drives the craving for the next drag on the cigarette.

Nicotine also releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. Endorphins can lead to feelings of euphoria, at times reward enough to keep smoking. Nicotine has been found to be as addictive as cocaine and heroin. More than 85 percent of those who quit will find themselves lighting up again within a week. Each year, 35 million smokers seriously try to quit, but less than 7 percent will achieve abstinence for a year. Serious stuff.

Why the opposition?

Opponents to e-cigarettes say that nicotine is a gateway drug to further tobacco use because of its addictive qualities. It is dangerous for people with heart problems and can cause strokes and hardening of the arteries. There is also the concern that advertising these as safe alternatives to regular cigarettes, the rates of smoking in the U.S. will begin to rise, undoing decades of anti-smoking campaigns.

Supporters’ Viewpoints

Others look at possible benefits for smokers. "Obviously, it would be best if smokers could quit completely," says Michael Siegel, MD, MPH, a professor at Boston University's School of Public Health. "But if that's not possible, I think they'd be a lot better off with e-cigarettes. They're a safer alternative."

Supporters say that vaping, smoking an e-cigarette, can be useful as a smoking cessation tool, similar to patches or gum. Tobacco smoke contains as many as 7,000 different chemicals, many toxic to humans. Eliminate the smoke, and you eliminate many of the problems of tobacco use.