Nicotine Addiction Prevention And Prognosis

WHAT IS NICOTINE?
It is a chemical substance which is found in tobacco leaves and it acts as a botanical insecticide. Amazingly, this natural insecticide is similar to a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine and once inside our brain it initiates the release of dopamine, which gives the sense of satisfaction.

The various combustible forms of tobacco products are cigarettes, cigars, pipes, bidis while, non- combustible tobacco products are chewing tobacco, ground and powdered forms. In India, bidis are the most used type of tobacco product .

HOW DOES NICOTINE WORK?
The time taken by nicotine to reach blood stream is just 4 seconds and it reaches brain in about 7 seconds from the moment you inhale tobacco smoke. It is a small molecule and can cross the blood brain barrier. Once through, it gets associated with acetylcholine receptors and stimulates dopamine flow.

EFFECTS OF NICOTINE
It has been reported that nicotine can alleviate anxiety, Depression and pain. Due to these reasons, smokers often report that smoking is a stress reliever and that they are more apt to smoke in response to stressful situations or negative moods. Also, it improves mood and many smokers feel a sense of well being

It has been found to affect metabolism by decreasing the appetite and increasing the metabolic rate. Thus, weight control and appetite reduction effects of nicotine has appealed to women and girls, to take up smoking. Nicotine also leads to an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, constriction of arteries and stimulation of the central nervous system. It may also cause sweating, nausea and diarrhea.

Addiction is a term used to describe maladaptive drug seeking behaviour, even after knowing the negative consequences and nicotine meets the criteria for a drug that can produce addiction, specifically, dependence and withdrawal. Addiction to nicotine develops over time. It does not happen quickly after using tobacco once or twice. Also, most people get addicted to nicotine if they had started smoking during adolescence.

Another side-effect of nicotine is withdrawal symptoms which can be noticed within 2-3 hours after last use of tobacco. Also, people who have smoked a greater number of cigarettes or have smoked for the longest duration are more likely to show withdrawal symptoms.

For those who are quitting, symptoms will be at peak after 24-48 hours. Common symptoms include:
- Craving for nicotine
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Drowsiness or trouble in sleep-ing
- Feeling tense, restless or frust- rated
- Headache
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Problems in concentrating Some or all of the above symptoms may be noticed when switching from regular to low-nicotine cigarettes or cut down on the number of cigarettes smoked.

ESTIMATION OF NICOTINE
Nicotine inhaled through smoking is metabolised into six primary metabolites by liver and subse- quently excreted in the urine. Cotinine is found to be a reliable biomarker and indicator for nicotine use, detectable in the blood, urine and saliva.

PREVENTION OF NICOTINE
Even though it is difficult to discontinue the intake of nicotine all at once there are many ways to quit. It might be difficult to quit alone but taking help of your family members, friends and coworkers may be supportive. Nicotine replacement therapy may also be helpful.

PROGNOSIS
Sense of discouragement seeps in when people who are trying to quit are not able to succeed at first. Research shows that the more you try, the more likely you are to succeed - so don't give up! If you aren't successful the first time you try to quit, look at what worked or didn't work, think of new ways to quit intake of nicotine & try again. Many attempts are often needed to finally break the habit.

There are many more reasons to quit using tobacco and serious health risks associated with it is one of them. Although not always easy, the solution remains simple... no nicotine today!