Nicotine Dependence

Our emotional and physical well-being is mediated by both biologic and psychological factors.  The biologic aspect of the central nervous system is directed and mediated by a multitude of chemical reactions.  This biochemical reaction is a delicate one and affects the person’s personality, feelings, memory, behavior, and movement.¹⁰

The use of nicotine alters the normal chemical functions to the point the brain compensates for the “new” chemical and becomes “dependent” on this psychoactive drug.  The presence of nicotine eventually replaces the normal neurotransmitter acetylcholine, causing an increase of cognition and alertness.¹¹  In addition there is an increase of dopamine released which creates an artificially produced feeling of well-being and calm.  As a result, an individual begins to associate tobacco use with a positive expectation of pleasant, calm feelings combined with an increase of alertness.

Over time, the amount of nicotine must be increased and re-supplied as receptor sites increase.  The combination of positive expectations, avoidance of feeling ill, and neurons physiologically changing results in a psychological and biologic drug dependence.¹¹  Slowly, tobacco users develop habits and rituals associated with their smoking or smokeless tobacco activities.  Nicotine addiction is now viewed as a chronic disease where a user is treated over an extended time and has periods of relapse and remission.¹²

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Citation Number: Vol. 6, No. 2, Page 161