Why is nicotine so addictive?
Inhaled nicotine is rapidly absorbed into a smokers blood stream. The absorbed nicotine then causes the brain to increase its level of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This causes a pleasurable sensation.After prolonged cigarette use, the brain will come to expect and desire a higher level of dopamine. If a person stops smoking, the level of dopamine falls, causing a craving for nicotine.The more you smoke, the higher the brain sets your dopamine level and the more you will crave nicotine.
