What is Nicotine?

• Smokes
• Butts
• Cigs
• Dip 
• Snuff
• Chew

Nicotine is a liquid akaloid of the tobacco plant and can be absorbed through the skin or mucus membranes in the body but is most commonly consumed by  smoking  tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars. In more recent years smoking has decreased, however, electronic cigarettes, which are tobacco less electronic devises that will vaporize an oil extract containing nicotine, has become increasingly  popular. People can also chew or absorb nicotine through chewing tobacco know as snuff or dip. There are also transdermal patches the can be placed on the skin and nicotine gum that can be chewed typically when someone is trying to quit smoking. Brands like Chantix offer tablets that can be taken orally for smoking cessation as well.

Tobbacco leaves contain nicotine and when dried look dark to light brown. Nicotine in it’s pure state is an orderless, colorless liquid, oily in consistency, and turns brownish when exposed to light

When nicotine is consumed a brief a sudden surge of endorphins released increasing  the dopamine neurotransmitters  that are associated with the reward circuits in the brain. Compareable to the high of other stimulants such as coffee and cocaine but at a much lesser degree. This plays a part in the dependency that is caused from consuming nicotine and will actually make a user feel as is they are being rewarded for the behavior. Users will feel a calming euphoric sensation that is short in duration leading to habitual use. Cessation of nicotine can cause physical withdrawal symptoms that can last from 2-4 weeks but psychological  dependence can last much longer. Smoking tobacco can cause serious health effects and has been linked to heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, gum disease, and cancer.

• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Irritability 
• Nasuea
• Head aches
• Halitosis