Smoking is considered a serious health problem worldwide. Tobacco is made from the tobacco leaf which, after being mixed with other substances and adding additives, is chopped and packaged in the form of cigarettes. Tobacco contains nicotine, a psychoactive and addictive substance that has effects on both the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. In this Psychology-Online article, effects of nicotine on the nervous system, we see what nicotine is and we detail in depth its effects, as well as the disorders related to this substance. We also name the way to evaluate nicotine addiction and the corresponding treatment.
Nicotine is a natural alkaloid substance that has a psychoactive effect very powerful, with effects on the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System, given its ease in crossing the blood-brain barrier. Nicotine is the causing dependency and tobacco addiction, that is, it consists of a addictive drugIn fact, it is one of the most addictive substances known. It is also one of the most studied substances.
Nicotine is a component of tobacco, derived from the leaf Nicotiana tabacumI know. This substance is consumed mainly by inhaling the smoke of tobacco cigarettes. Each cigarette contains approximately 10 milligrams of nicotine, although approximately 2 mg is inhaled.
The duration of the multiple effects of nicotine is approximately 2 hours although it can vary between 1 and 4 hours. Finally, this substance is metabolized in the liver.
Nicotine is an addictive drug that acts in the brain, that is, in the Central Nervous System, and is the cause of tobacco addiction.
First, after inhaling the smoke, nicotine is absorbed from the lungs and passes into the blood from the lungs. The arterial circulation carries nicotine to the brain quickly, in about 10 seconds. The rapidity of the effect of this substance is one of the factors that favors addiction to it. Later, through blood circulation, it reaches the other parts of the body. Finally, it binds to specific receptors.
In the brain, nicotine is converted to intermediate metabolites that act on nicotinic cholinergic receptors of the Central Nervous System, thus begins its action. Nicotinic receptors are ion channel receptors, which produce a response virtually immediate neural response. It then activates the adrenal glands and produces an adrenaline rush. The consequence of this is the body stimulation and the increase in blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate, that is, the effects on the peripheral nervous system. The neuroendocrine effects caused by nicotine are the increased adrenocortic acid, cortisol, vasopressin, aldosterone, growth hormone and prolactin. These alterations can have behavioral implications.
Addictive substances such as nicotine affect a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Specifically, nicotine produces its action by binding by chemical bonds to molecular receptors of dopamine nerve cells, activating neurons. In fact, the protein that nicotine binds to in dopamine cells has been found to be called the beta 2 subunit. Thus, nicotine causes dopamine release and the increased concentration of this in the regions of the brain of the reward system, such as the nucleus accumbens, producing the sensation of pleasure. In this way, the behavior that has produced the increase in dopamine is encouraged, that is, the action of smoking. Becoming an addiction.
When neurons are exposed to nicotine for a long time, they are first sensitized to the substance but then desensitized. Here begins the tolerance phenomenon: the effect is reduced, as the number of nicotinic receptors in the brain increases.
When nicotine disappears, the excess receptors cause discomfort and nervousness: phenomenon known as withdrawalas the stress system is activated. However, if the nicotine is gone for weeks, the number of receptors drops back to normal. Here you could say that detoxification has occurred.
The effect that tobacco has on cognitive functions has been investigated and it has been found that at an immediate level the nicotine produces improvements in the performance of cognitive tasks due to cholinergic activity and increased arousal cortical. However, in the long term, the action of nicotine reduces the formation of neuronswhile abstinence leads to cognitive impairment.
Nicotine poisoning
After the consumption of high doses of nicotine, intoxication can occur, characterized by alterations in the level of consciousness, perception, thoughts, state of mind and behaviour. Insomnia, strange dreams, emotional lability, derealisation, nausea or vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, and arrhythmias may occur.
Nicotine poisoning does not usually occur with cigarettes but with cutaneous administration.
Nicotine dependence
After repeated consumption of nicotine, cognitive, physiological and behavioral alterations occur, characterized mainly by the intense and compulsive desire to consume nicotine. There are difficulties in controlling consumption and it persists despite the negative consequences that it entails. To the point of prioritizing consumption over other activities. Concern about consumption is common. Also the effect of tolerance, that is, the need to increase the amount to achieve the same effect. There is also a withdrawal box when for consumption.
The Fagerstrom test is a nicotine dependence test widely used to calculate the level of addiction.
Nicotine withdrawal syndrome
After the reduction or stop of nicotine consumption, having previously existed a regular and prolonged consumption, the withdrawal syndrome occurs. Withdrawal symptoms can appear from a few hours after the last time the nicotine was consumed, peaking between 24 and 48 hours. The withdrawal syndrome is characterized by the impulsive desire for nicotine, depressive or dysphoric mood, the malaise, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and increased appetite or weight and cough.
Most of the symptoms usually last a few weeks, but the craving for smoking can last for years. In general, adduction to tobacco can be treated through techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy, especially applied in group format.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
