How Nicotine Affects Your Body

As you may already know, nicotine is one of the most addictive legalized drugs in the United States. This substance is found in tobacco leaves, the main ingredient in cigarettes. It provides smokers with the addictive buzz that keeps them coming back for more. This unstoppable desire for a smoke that most users develop is indicative of how strong the addictive qualities of nicotine really are.

Why does nicotine keep me coming back for more?

When you smoke a cigarette, nicotine is diffused into the body through a number of entry points. The smoke comes into direct contact with one’s skin, lungs, and mucous membranes, so it is through these areas that it enters the body and the bloodstream. The nicotine is then delivered to the brain, where it begins to take effect.

Since nicotine is a stimulant, it affects the body by making it more alert and heightening the “fight-or-flight” response. The heart speeds up, blood pressure increases, glucose is deposited into your bloodstream and insulin is blocked. The brain is also affected by cigarettes. Smokers feel more alert and attentive and dopamine is released, giving the smoker a wave of good feelings.

While nicotine does have seemingly positive effects, it can seriously harm one’s body in the long run. Smokers are at a much higher risk of developing cancer, heart disease, emphysema and strokes.

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If you would like to learn more about the effects of nicotine, or if you have suffered from the devastating side effects of Chantix, then the Chantix lawsuit lawyers of the firm can help you. Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney about your concerns.