What Is The Mechanism Of Action Of Nicotine? How Does...
What is the mechanism of action of nicotine? How does it activate addiction pathways in the brain?
2 Responses to “What Is The Mechanism Of Action Of Nicotine? How Does It Activate Addiction Pathways In The Brain?”
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August 27th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I’ve been smoke free for quite some time now. I spoke with my Dr and asked him a lot of questions He told me that nicotine was so addictive, it’s right up there with heroin. I was floored. It triggers the “feel good” sense part of the brain, For lack of a better word. The endorphins in the brain give you a sense of well being and this is what nicotine triggers. Dopamine plays a part in it too. After smoking for years, you no longer have that effect because your brain wants it and that’s when it becomes an addiction. The addiction can be physical and mental. The physical part is when you have a cup of coffee and automatically reach for a cigarette, or on the phone, reach for a cigarette. The mental part is knowing you can’t have one where ever you are and all of a sudden you can’t wait to get out and have one. “I’m dying for a cigarette” Mental addiction. So there you have it. I am still struggling with the mental addiction and I still want to smoke but I refuse knowing I will kick myself in the behind if I do.
August 27th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Honestly, I don’t think the nicotine is what the addiction is all about, I’ve smoked for 5 yrs and I can go all day if I am busy enough, but when I get in my car to drive I instantly want to have a cigarette. I think the addiction is the holding and inhaling the occupying of time. There is a comfort in the inhaling that makes you feel calmer. Other smokers say it’s the same for them. Now chewing (nicotine) might be different, more of an intense load of nicotine