How Does Smoking Affect the Brain?
The Facts As with any addictive substance, nicotine causes certain reactions in the brain that trigger a craving for more. As of November, 2007, the addictive characteristics of nicotine accounted for 23.9 percent of male smokers, and 18.0 percent of women smokers in the United States. Features In spite of the tobacco industry’s claim to the contrary, nicotine is a highly addictive substance which impacts the same areas of the brain as cocaine and heroin. These areas are the pleasure centers of the brain. When nicotine is ingested, a dual chemical process is at work. It takes a mere 10 seconds from inhalation for the brain chemistry to alter. Dopamine levels (the “feel good” neurotransmitter) increase while MAO inhibitors, the enzymes that break down dopamine, are decreased. In addition, the two enzymes responsible for converting dopamine into a useable form for brain cells to absorb are produced at higher levels. These enzymes are protein kinase A and adenylate cylase. All of these ch
