Nicotine addiction: what it is, symptoms and how to deal with it.

There Nicotine addiction often defined with the clinical term tobagism it is much more than one that is often called “bad habit”.

What is Nicotine dependence?

Nicotine addiction is a complex condition, classified in all respects as a substance use disorder. Nicotine is a powerful psychoactive substance: once inhaled, it reaches the brain in a few seconds, altering mood and generating a temporary feeling of pleasure or relief. This immediate effect is one of the reasons why it creates such a strong dependence.

To understand it thoroughly, it is useful to distinguish two dimensions, deeply intertwined with each other:

• there physical dependence: The body gets used to the constant presence of nicotine and requires a regular dose to work without a feeling of discomfort. When this request is not satisfied, the symptoms of abstinence are manifested;
• there psychological dependence: It is perhaps the most difficult obstacle to overcome. The gesture of smoking is linked to specific moments, emotions and contexts of our life. The cigarette after the coffee, the one during a break from work, that offered to a friend: each situation strengthens a ritual that becomes an automatic response to stress, boredom, happiness or need for sociability.

Why does Nicotine dependence develop?

Nobody decides at the table to develop an addiction. The path that leads to smoking addiction It is almost always gradual and influenced by a set of personal, social and biological factors. Often, the first cigarettes come on during adolescence, a period of great experimentation and construction of identity.

The causes they lead to starting are linked to multiple social and psychological factors:

• influence of the group: the desire to feel part of a group of friends or not feel excluded can be a very strong push;
• sense of rebellion: for some teenagers, smoking can represent a way to transgress the rules and affirm their autonomy;
• Family and cultural context: growing in a family of smokers or in an environment where smoking is normalized can increase the probability of starting.

If the first experiences are often linked to external factors, the reason why we continue to smoke resides in the chemistry of our brain.

Nicotine acts on the reward brain system, stimulating the release of dopaminean associated neurotransmitter to taste and gratification. The brain quickly learns to associate smoking with this positive sensation, creating a powerful conditioning. Over time, he no longer smokes for pleasure, but to relieve the discomfort caused by his lack.

Symptoms of nicotine addiction and abstinence

Recognizing the signals of addiction is the first step to become aware of the problem. These are not just how many cigarettes smoke, but how smoke affects one’s life and psychophysical state. Some alarm bells include:

• Intense and unstoppable desire of smoking (craving);
• Failed attempts to stop or reduce consumption;
• Need to smoke increasing quantities to obtain the same effect (tolerance);
• Smoke just wake up or during the night;
• Continue smoking despite the awareness of Health damage;
• Renounce social, working or recreational activities to be able to smoke.

When trying to stop, the body and mind react to the lack of the substance. These are the main ones Symptoms of nicotine abstinence :

• Irritability frustration and anger;
• Anxiety and agitation;
• Concentration difficulty and sensation of annexed mind;
• Increase of appetite and weight;
• Low mood tone or unstable;
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep.

These symptoms can be very intense, but it is important to remember that they are temporary and represent the signal that the body is starting a healing process.

Can you stop smoking?

The short answer is: Yes, it is absolutely possible and the research testifies to it (Sridharan et al., 2019). Get rid of smoking addiction It is an achievable goal, but it is essential to understand that it is a path to be crossed with realism and awareness.

Many people believe that only willpower is enough, but the data show a different reality: only a small percentage (1-4%) manages to stop in complete autonomy. This is not a sign of weakness, but a proof of the complexity of addiction, which acts on both physical and psychological plans. The intense and sudden desire to smoke, or craving is often the main obstacle that leads to a relapse.