Smoking is considered a serious health problem worldwide. Tobacco is made from the tobacco leaf which, after mixing with other substances and adding additives, is chopped and packaged in the form of cigarettes. Tobacco contains nicotine, a psychoactive and addictive substance that has effects on both the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems. In this Psychology-Online article, effects of nicotine on the nervous system, we see what nicotine is and we detail in depth its effects, as well as the disorders related to said substance. We also name the way to evaluate nicotine addiction and the corresponding treatment.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a natural alkaloid substance that has a psychoactive effect very powerful, with effects on the and the Peripheral Nervous System, given its ease of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Nicotine is the cause of dependency and tobacco addiction, that is, it consists of a, in fact, it is one of the most addictive substances known. It is also one of the most studied substances.
Nicotine is a component of tobacco, derived from the leaf Nicotiana tabacumHE. This substance is consumed mainly by inhaling smoke from tobacco cigarettes. Each cigarette contains approximately 10 milligrams of nicotine, although approximately 2 mg is inhaled.
The duration of the multiple effects of nicotine is approximately 2 hours, although it can vary between 1 and 4 hours. Finally, this substance is metabolized in the liver.
Effects of nicotine on the Nervous System
Nicotine is an addictive drug that acts in the brain, that is, in the Central Nervous System, and is the cause of tobacco addiction.
Firstly, after inhalation of smoke, nicotine is absorbed in the lungs and from the lungs it passes into the blood. Arterial circulation carries nicotine to the brain quickly, in approximately 10 seconds. The rapidity of the effect of this substance is one of the factors that favors addiction to it. Then, through blood circulation, it reaches the other parts of the body. Finally, it binds to specific receptors.
In the brain, nicotine is converted into intermediate metabolites that act on nicotinic cholinergic receptors of the Central Nervous System, this is how its action begins. Nicotinic receptors are ion channel receptors, which produce a response practically immediate neuronal response. It then activates the adrenal glands and produces a rush of adrenaline. The consequence of this is body stimulation and an increase in blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate, that is, the effects on the peripheral nervous system. The neuroendocrine effects caused by nicotine are the increased adrenocarticopa, cortisol, vasopressin, aldosterone, growth hormone and prolactin. These alterations can have implications for behavior.
Addictive substances such as nicotine affect a . Specifically, nicotine produces its action by binding through chemical bonds to molecular receptors on dopamine nerve cells, activating neurons. In fact, it has been found that the protein that nicotine binds to in dopamine cells is called beta 2 subunit. Thus, nicotine causes dopamine release and the increase in its concentration in the brain regions of the reward system, such as the nucleus accumbens, producing the sensation of pleasure. In this way, the behavior that caused the increase in dopamine is encouraged to be repeated, that is, the action of smoking. Becoming an addiction.
When neurons are exposed to nicotine for a long time, they first become sensitized to the substance but then become desensitized. Here begins the tolerance phenomenon: the effect is reduced, as the number of nicotinic receptors in the brain increases.
When nicotine disappears, the excess receptors cause discomfort and nervousness: phenomenon known as withdrawal, since the stress system is activated. However, if nicotine disappears for weeks, the number of receptors drops back to normal. Here you could say that detoxification has occurred.
The effect that tobacco has on cognitive functions has been investigated and it has been discovered that at an immediate level, nicotine produces improvements in the execution of cognitive tasks due to cholinergic activity and increased cortical arousal. However, in the long term, the action of nicotine reduces the formation of neuronswhile abstinence leads to cognitive impairment.
Nicotine-related disorders
Nicotine poisoning
After consuming high doses of nicotine, intoxication can occur, characterized by alterations in the level of consciousness, perception, thoughts, mood and behavior. Insomnia, strange dreams, emotional lability, derealization, nausea or vomiting, sweating, tachycardia and arrhythmias may occur.
Nicotine poisoning does not usually occur with cigarettes but does occur with cutaneous administration.
Nicotine dependence
After repeated consumption of nicotine, cognitive, physiological and behavioral alterations occur, mainly characterized by the intense and compulsive desire to consume nicotine. There are difficulties in controlling consumption and it persists despite the negative consequences it entails. To the point of prioritizing consumption before other activities. Concern about consumption is common. Also the tolerance effect, that is, the need to increase the amount to achieve the same effect. There is also a pattern of abstinence when consumption stops.
The one widely used to calculate the level of addiction.
Nicotine withdrawal syndrome
After reducing or stopping nicotine consumption, having previously had regular and prolonged consumption, withdrawal syndrome occurs. Withdrawal symptoms can occur a few hours after the last time nicotine was consumed, with their peak being between 24 and 48 hours. Withdrawal syndrome is characterized by impulsive craving for nicotine, depressed or dysphoric mood, malaise, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and increased appetite or weight and cough.
Most symptoms usually last a few weeks, but smoking cravings can last for years. In general, tobacco adduction can be treated through treatment techniques, especially applied in a group format.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
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- Pozo, MCC, & Pérez, VMS (1994). Cognitive effects of nicotine and tobacco in human subjects. Psychothema, 6(1), 5-20.
- Treviño, LJ, Fernández, MTB, González, MPG, Martínez, PAS, & Bousoño, M. (2004). Nicotine as a drug. Tobacco Monograph, 16(supplement 2), 143.