Essay about The Pros and Cons of Nicotine - 1500 Words

Positive and Negative Aspects of the Chemical Nicotine Nicotine, one of the most unusual psychoactive drugs known, and the primary pharmacological agent of addiction in cigarettes, triggers powerful physical and psychological reactions in species as diverse as cockroaches and humans. Nicotine has been proven to boost concentration, improve memory and control body weight, as well as alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease sufferers. However, research has also established that nicotine adversely affects babies in utero and may explain the link between smoking and problems such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder. The hope for the future is that scientists will be able to separate†¦show more content†¦Nicotine has a powerful addicting effect because it is absorbed rapidly into the pulmonary circulation following inhalation from which it passes through the left side of the heart and into the cerebral circulation. It rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to specific receptors in various parts of the brain. Stimulation of receptors by nicotine results in the activation of a number of neurohumoral pathways leading to release of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, vasopressin and various hormones. Nicotine causes the release of the substance b-endorphin, an endogenous peptide that also binds to opiate receptors. This indicates a link between addiction to opiates, such as morphine and heroin, and addiction to nicotine. Nicotine affects nearly all components of the endocrine and neuroendocrine systems, including catecholamines, serotonin, corticosteroids and pituitary hormones. Some of these endocrine effects are mediated by actions of nicotine on brain neurotransmitter systems. In addition, nicotine causes skeletal muscle relaxation and has cardiovascular effects. Nicotine is a powerful substance in controlling brain function. It interacts with specific receptors in brain tissue, and initiates metabolic and electrical activity in the brain. The individual cells within the brain, the neurons, release a whole array of chemical signals in communication with oneShow MoreRelatedPros And Cons Of E-Cigarettes752 Words   |  4 PagesPros Cons Sure, smoking cigarettes are bad for your health, but that does not mean that the better alternative is e-cigarettes and vapor products, although there are some differences that may seem to make them the better choice. Cynthia Cabrera, executive director of the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association, explains that there are many factors that make e-cigarettes and vapor products less harmful, and safer than actual cigarettes. When you use these products as opposed to smoking an actualRead MoreHow Substance Abuse Can Be Harmful At The Societal And Individual Level1255 Words   |  6 Pagestreatment available for workers, and they are over-the-counter medicines and prescription medicines. Nicotine-based medicines include transdermal nicotine, patch, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenge. The component of these drugs is nicotine, and it will help a smoker in fighting off cravings. The smoker will gradually reduce his or her nicotine intake and will also ease off the addictive effect of nicotine. The type of smoker that will benefit from this treatment is the one suffering from Asthma, ulcersRead MoreEssay on Lawsuits Against Big TobaccoÂ… Justified or Not?1991 Words   |  8 Pagescompanies in 1998, there has been much controversy over whether or not these lawsuits are justified. 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The worst substance inside of cigarettes is Nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance and is what keeps most smokers coming back to smoke. Nicotine is present inside of the tobacco leaves inside of the cigarette and when ignited and inhaled, it comes into contact with the brain at around ten seconds. It is best that people not smoke; especiallyRead MoreElectronic Cigarettes Should Be Regulated924 Words   |  4 Pagesa 32 year old had a burn from the first degree after the E-cig he was smoking blow up in his face (electronic cigarettes should be regulated, 2015). In 1963, Herbert A. Gilbert patented the first E-cig, whose produced Cigalike device to heat the nicotine resolution and create water vapor (electronic cigarettes should be regulated, 2015). But Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, made the modern E-cig in 2003, to control the smoking desire (electronic cigarettes should be regulated, 2015). On other handRead MoreElectronic Cigarettes Should Be Regulated923 Words   |  4 Pagesa 32 y ear old had a burn from the first degree after the E-cig he was smoking blow up in his face (electronic cigarettes should be regulated, 2015). In 1963, Herbert A. Gilbert patented the first E-cig, whose produced Cigalike device to heat the nicotine resolution and create water vapor (electronic cigarettes should be regulated, 2015). But Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, made the modern E-cig in 2003, to control the smoking desire (electronic cigarettes should be regulated, 2015). On other handRead MoreTeenage Smoking In Teenagers886 Words   |  4 Pageshorrible effects to your body. The first reason why smoking isn’t a problem among teens is they care about what they look like to others. Smoking makes your teeth yellow, your clothes smell like smoke, and people don’t want to be around you. The nicotine in cigarettes stains your teeth, hands, and nails (â€Å"15 Ways Smoking Ruins Your Looks†). All of these things aren’t ideal for a teenager to look like. Teenage girls really care about their hair, but when you smoke your hair can thin and turn grayRead MoreInterview : Interview And Observation1348 Words   |  6 Pagesreduces the amount of oxygen available to the muscles, brain and blood. This makes the heart work harder. Over time this causes airways to narrow and blood pressure to rise, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. High levels of CO, together with nicotine, increase the risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries and other circulatory problems. long-term effects of smoking (Quit Victoria, 2010) that may be experienced include: †¢ increased risk of stroke and brain damage †¢ eye cataracts, macular