Nicotine is a substance found in tobacco. It is found in all tobacco products
such as: cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and cigars.
When a person smokes a tobacco product, they inhale the smoke which contains
nicotine as well as over 500 chemicals.
Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction. When a user is addicted
to nicotine, they feel as if they need nicotine in order to function normally.
The smoke from tobacco also contains tar which is damaging to the mouth,
throat, and lungs.
Nicotine reaches the brain within 10 seconds after intake.
Nicotine is a stimulant to the brain and the central nervous system.
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
increase in blood pressure
increase in heart rate
thickening of blood
narrowing of arteries
decrease in skin temperature
increase in respiration
stimulation of the central nervous system
vomiting
diarrhea
LONGTERM EFFECTS
high blood pressure
blockage of blood vessels
depletion of vitamin C
reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system
cancer of the mouth, throat, and lungs
cancer of the upper respiratory tract
bronchitis and/or emphysema
stomach ulcers
weight loss
dryness and wrinkling of the skin
production of abnormal sperm in males
SMOKING AND PREGNANCY
Women who smoke have a greater risk of premature detachment of the placenta.
Once detachment has occurred, perinatal death rates also increase. This
risk increases by 20% with every 1/2 pack of cigarettes smoked.
Women who smoke also suffer from more reproductive tract infections, fertility
and menstrual disorders, earlier menopause, and problems during pregnancy.
Female smoking-related death rates have been rising. It is estimated that
by the year 2020, more than I million adult females will die from tobacco-related
illness.
NICOTINE AND PREGNANCY
low birth weight
premature birth
greater occurrence of miscarriage and stillbirth
impairment of mental development
impairment of physical development
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
baby has a greater likelihood of being hyperactive
Because nicotine is so addictive, there are withdrawal symptoms that may
occur when a person is not using the drug
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
drop in pulse rate
drop in blood pressure
disturbance of sleep
slower reactions
tension
restlessness
depression
irritability
constipation
difficulty in concentration
craving for tobacco
Although these symptoms may cause discomfort for a brief period of time,
the benefits to a person who quits smoking greatly outweigh an addiction
to nicotine.
These benefits include improved health and greater enjoyment of everyday
activities.
EXTENT OF USE
Tobacco (nicotine) use is the number one health problem in the U.S.
The National Household Survey (1993) reports:
71.2% of those surveyed have used nicotine
29.4% used in the past year
24.2% used in past month
75.5% of ages 12 and up who have used nicotine are white
57.4% ages 12 and up were Hispanic
59.6% ages 12 and up are black
45.3% of 8th graders have smoked cigarettes
56.3% of 10th graders have smoked
61.9% of 12th graders have smoked
8.3% 8th graders are regular smokers
14.2% 10th graders are regular smokers
19% 12 graders are regular smokers
If you suspect a problem with nicotine, cigarettes and/or other drug
use, please contact the National Drug Information Treatment and
Referral Hotline at (800) 662-HELP(4357). They can supply you with: