Is cigarette smoking addictive?
Yes. The nicotine in cigarette smoke causes an addiction to smoking. Nicotine is an addictive drug (just like heroin and cocaine) for three main reasons. • When taken in small amounts, nicotine creates pleasant feelings that make the smoker want to smoke more. • Smokers usually become dependent on nicotine and suffer physical and emotional (psychological) withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking. These symptoms include nervousness, headaches, and trouble sleeping. • Because nicotine affects the chemistry of the brain and central nervous system, it can affect the mood and nature of the smoker. What does nicotine do? In large doses, nicotine is a poison and can kill by stopping a person’s breathing muscles. Smokers usually take in small amounts that the body can quickly break down and get rid of. The first dose of nicotine makes a person to feel awake and alert, while later doses produce a calm, relaxed feeling. Nicotine can make new smokers, and regular smokers who get too much of it,
