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What is the Connection Between Caffeine and Nicotine?

Leo Zimmermann
Leo Zimmermann

Caffeine and nicotine have fairly different compositions and origins, but as stimulants, they share some important similarities, especially in relation to patterns of usage. As two of the most common and mutually reinforcing psychoactive substances, they are also often both used at the same time.

The most basic connection between the two drugs is simply that they have similar effects. Both are classified as stimulants because they increase focus and physiological arousal. They are also both somewhat atypical as stimulants because they do not consistently produce the same effects and sometimes can have different and unusual consequences in higher doses. These chemicals have effects across the nervous system, unlike substances such as cocaine and amphetamines that target the central nervous system more directly.

Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is a stimulant, as is caffeine.
Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is a stimulant, as is caffeine.

Both caffeine and nicotine are addictive, and consistent users of either drug are likely to develop tolerance and dependence. Withdrawal from both drugs can produce a variety of symptoms, especially craving and irritability. Cigarettes are much more addictive than caffeine products, however, both because nicotine is a more addictive chemical and because smoking as a delivery mechanism is inherently more likely to produce addiction.

As two of the most common and mutually reinforcing psychoactive substances, caffeine and nicotine are often used at the same time.
As two of the most common and mutually reinforcing psychoactive substances, caffeine and nicotine are often used at the same time.

Various studies, with mixed results, have attempted to determine the connection between these drugs when used together, and they do seem to reinforce each other. The evidence is strong that the consumption of both drugs goes hand-in-hand; people who use one are more likely to use the other. A study on rats confirmed the popular wisdom that caffeine intake increased desire for nicotine. Quitting caffeine along with nicotine amplifies nicotine withdrawal symptoms, but continuing to consume caffeine while attempting to quit smoking is also risky, since the effects of one stimulant can function as a neural cue and generate cravings for the other.

A study on rats confirmed that caffeine intake increased desire for nicotine.
A study on rats confirmed that caffeine intake increased desire for nicotine.

Caffeine and nicotine are widely recognized as mutually reinforcing drugs. Popular culture contains abundant references to the connection between them, from Otis Redding's 1966 song "Cigarettes and Coffee" to Jim Jarmusch's 2003 movie Coffee and Cigarettes. The jury is still out on whether the connection is stronger than the one between nicotine and alcohol.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

@SarahGen-- I agree with the article. I don't think that caffeine is as addictive as nicotine. With smoking, there is a psychological addiction in addition to a physical one. So it's more difficult to quit. You might want to speak with a doctor about addictions for the best advice, though.

anon358333

I wish folks would remain on topic: nicotine and caffeine. Quit associating the compounds with delivery system. It's comparing apples to oranges. Try burning and inhaling coffee beans.

SarahGen

My sister in law is addicted to both caffeine and nicotine. It's all she does all day: drink coffee and smoke.

Everyone keeps telling her that she needs to quit because it's harming her. She says that coffee and smoking keep her focused and help her work. But they've also made her lose a lot of weight because both suppress appetite. She's underweight now and barely eats. I'm scared that she's going to get sick.

If she quits coffee first, will she have a better chance of quitting smoking? Withdrawal from nicotine is worse than withdrawal from caffeine, right?

donasmrs

This article reminded me of my time in the Middle East, where coffee and smoking usually go together. In fact, I met people during my stay who only smoked when they had some Turkish coffee to go along with it. It was a favorite pastime for many men and women whom I met. But men did smoke more and they smoked cigarettes and hookahs.

I think that nicotine and caffeine are an important part of socialization in many countries.

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    • Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is a stimulant, as is caffeine.
      By: Николай Григорьев
      Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is a stimulant, as is caffeine.
    • As two of the most common and mutually reinforcing psychoactive substances, caffeine and nicotine are often used at the same time.
      By: Lorenzo Brasco
      As two of the most common and mutually reinforcing psychoactive substances, caffeine and nicotine are often used at the same time.
    • A study on rats confirmed that caffeine intake increased desire for nicotine.
      By: lculig
      A study on rats confirmed that caffeine intake increased desire for nicotine.
    • Both caffeine and nicotine have potentially addictive qualities.
      By: volff
      Both caffeine and nicotine have potentially addictive qualities.
    • A chemical found in tobacco leaves, nicotine is a stimulant that is both addictive and a potential cause of disease if used over a long time.
      By: paultarasenko
      A chemical found in tobacco leaves, nicotine is a stimulant that is both addictive and a potential cause of disease if used over a long time.
    • Caffeine and nicotine can both cause withdrawal symptoms, including cravings and irritability.
      By: pressmaster
      Caffeine and nicotine can both cause withdrawal symptoms, including cravings and irritability.
    • Quitting caffeine at the same time as nicotine will amplify nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
      By: Gajus
      Quitting caffeine at the same time as nicotine will amplify nicotine withdrawal symptoms.