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What is Nicotine?

S. Scolari
S. Scolari

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that occurs naturally in tobacco. It is the active ingredient in tobacco smoke. It has a pungent odor and an acrid taste. Nicotine is defined as a poisonous, oily, pale yellow substance that turns brown upon exposure to air. In concentrated form, this chemical is used as a potent insecticide.

The amount of nicotine which occurs in tobacco leaves ranges from 2% to 7%. A smoker inhales approximately 3 mg of nicotine per cigarette. Even this small amount constricts blood vessels, increases the heart rate, and acts on the central nervous system. It also confers a feeling of well-being and alertness on the smoker.

Many newer agricultural insecticides use nicotine as an active ingredient.
Many newer agricultural insecticides use nicotine as an active ingredient.

Nicotine mimics the affects of acetylcholine, a nerve signal transmitter, and it acts primarily on the autonomic nervous system. As such, it can be dangerous. The substance can cause respiratory failure and paralysis at doses of less than 50 mg. Smaller amounts can cause nausea, dizziness, lowered blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

By itself, nicotine is not considered carcinogenic. However, it is likely that it contributes to the increased incidence of heart disease in smokers. It may also enhance the growth of tumors caused by carcinogens.

Nictotine delivery methods include nasal spray and inhalers.
Nictotine delivery methods include nasal spray and inhalers.

People who use tobacco products in any form will develop a physiological addiction to nicotine. Proven to increase the flow of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, the chemical creates pleasurable feelings in the user, along with a desire to maintain them. When levels in the blood drop, smokers will develop withdrawal symptoms within 48 to 72 hours after the last cigarette. These symptoms include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability, heart rate and blood pressure changes, changes in brain waves, and sleeping problems.

The symptoms are so unpleasant that most smokers will resume smoking in an effort to raise nicotine levels in the blood to the point where the symptoms subside.

Small amounts of nicotine can cause nausea.
Small amounts of nicotine can cause nausea.

Many people try nicotine-containing chewing gums and adhesive skin patches in an effort to quit smoking. The rate of nicotine absorption is slower in these methods than it is with smoking and it does not provide the same pleasurable sensations; gums and patches, however, can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It is important not to mix gums or patches with cigarettes, as this can lead to toxicity and overdose, which causes headache, palpitations, and nausea.

A smoker inhales 3 mg of nicotine per cigarette.
A smoker inhales 3 mg of nicotine per cigarette.

Other nicotine-delivery methods include nasal sprays and inhalers which more closely mimic how the chemical is obtained by smoking. Use of replacements, especially inhalers, is not recommended for more than a few months. Research has shown that extended use of these products could damage the cells lining the lungs and blood vessels.

Discussion Comments

anon341979

When the natives of Alaska were first introduced to tobacco, they added "punk ash" to it. This is a fungus or conk that grew on paper birch trees. It supposedly gave a very strong high to the tobacco when mixed and chewed.

The genus - species of "punk ash" is Phellinius Ignarius. It may give the user a psycho-active experience. It is locally known as "Eskimo Cocaine!"

Supposedly, it affects the Ph or alkalinity of the nicotine, allowing it to be readily absorbed into the bloodstream/brain - basically freebasing nicotine.

anon170696

is second-hand smoke just as dangerous as being a smoker?

oasis11

Anon11331- I did not know that. I do know that nicotine only takes seven seconds to hit the brain when it’s inhaled. Quick puffs usually produce a more stimulating effect while deeper puffs produce a more relaxing effect.

Nicotine also reduces one’s appetite and raises one's metabolism. This explains why some people gain weight when they quit smoking.

anon11331

"A smoker inhales approximately 3mg of nicotine per cigarette."

this is highly variable between differing brands of cigarettes (e.g. Lucky Strike Unfiltereds compared to Marlboro Ultra Lights).

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    • Many newer agricultural insecticides use nicotine as an active ingredient.
      By: Sly
      Many newer agricultural insecticides use nicotine as an active ingredient.
    • Nictotine delivery methods include nasal spray and inhalers.
      By: kirillica
      Nictotine delivery methods include nasal spray and inhalers.
    • Small amounts of nicotine can cause nausea.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      Small amounts of nicotine can cause nausea.
    • A smoker inhales 3 mg of nicotine per cigarette.
      By: nito
      A smoker inhales 3 mg of nicotine per cigarette.
    • Some people smoke tobacco for its stimulative effect on the body.
      By: Wrangler
      Some people smoke tobacco for its stimulative effect on the body.
    • People who smoke tobacco cigarettes will develop an addiction to nicotine.
      By: Edyta Pawlowska
      People who smoke tobacco cigarettes will develop an addiction to nicotine.
    • The nicotine patch delivers a slow and steady stream of nicotine into the bloodstream throughout the day.
      By: dalaprod
      The nicotine patch delivers a slow and steady stream of nicotine into the bloodstream throughout the day.
    • Nicotine gum is among the most popular smoking cessation products.
      By: nyul
      Nicotine gum is among the most popular smoking cessation products.