Nicotine, the addictive chemical found in tobacco products like cigarettes or vapes, is complex because it acts as both a stimulant and a depressant, depending on the dose, timing, and individual response.
As a stimulant, nicotine quickly triggers the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and dopamine, which increase heart rate, blood pressure, alertness, and feelings of pleasure or euphoria. As a depressant, it can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety by increasing chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and beta-endorphins.
Regardless of whether you experience stimulative or depressive effects, both carry a high risk of addiction.
Nicotine Addiction 101
Almost 50 million Americans report using tobacco or nicotine products. Over the past several decades, cigarette use has declined. However, recently, the rise of vapes and e-cigarettes has caused new concern. Nicotine affects people of all ages, with young adults struggling with particularly high nicotine vape addiction [1].
Nicotine addiction begins quickly and has a short half-life. After just 2 hours of smoking a cigarette, half of the nicotine is already cleared from the body, and cravings can start as soon as 30 minutes after last use.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 4 to 24 hours after quitting and peak around 3 days, with the most intense discomfort lasting about the first week. Quitting nicotine can lead to withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, increased appetite, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes [2].
What Is Nicotine and How Does It Affect the Brain?
Nicotine quickly activates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain. This triggers dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, reinforcing addictive behaviors via reward signals. Nicotine also affects glutamate and GABA, influencing learning, memory, and emotional regulation linked to addiction and relapse [3].
Chronic nicotine abuse, especially if you start young during development, can also cause neuroplastic changes, including the upregulation (increase) of nicotinic receptors, which sensitizes the brain to nicotine’s effects and can prolong dependence [3].
Nicotine: Stimulant or Depressant?
Nicotine can act as both a stimulant and/or depressant to the central nervous system by releasing hormones and neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, dopamine, and beta-endorphins. Seeking the numbing, depressive effects of beta-endorphins while also chasing stimulant-driven pleasure creates a complex cycle of addiction and dependence [4].
Nicotine As A Stimulant
Dopamine and epinephrine contribute to the “buzz” that people often get when smoking. Epinephrine elevates heart rate and blood pressure, causing the initial jolt of energy that many smokers report. They also cause euphoria and pleasure, so many nicotine users may feel energized, but still relaxed.
Nicotine As A Depressant
Nicotine also causes the release of beta-endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving and mood-improving chemicals in the brain. This causes feelings of relaxation and numbness, and explains why many people use nicotine to self-soothe or relieve stress.
At higher doses, nicotine’s depressant effects can become stronger, leading to even sedative-like sensations. However, this is not without side effects. Nicotine users often experience increased stress over the long term due to disrupted brain chemistry and receptor changes.
How To Effectively Quit Nicotine
Quitting nicotine is a challenge due to both the physiological and psychological effects of withdrawal and the intensity of cravings. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours after the last “hit” or “smoke”.
Symptoms are not usually life-threatening, but cause intense irritability, hunger, anxiety, trouble concentrating, and strong cravings.
Studies show that 90% of smokers have made at least one attempt to quit, but between 83% and 90% relapse within the first year of quitting. This is most often due to reported triggers such as stress, work, and being around others who smoke or vape [5].
It’s important to address the behavioral factors of smoking, such as managing stress, anxiety, and oral fixations for true, long-term recovery. Some helpful ways to quit nicotine include [6]:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) includes nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges to reduce cravings by providing low-dose, controlled nicotine without harmful toxins found in vape chemicals or tobacco cigarettes.
- FDA-Approved Medications like varenicline and bupropion are approved to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can address thoughts and feelings that drive addictive behaviors and the need to smoke while helping you build positive coping skills to manage stress and long-term goals for recovery.
- Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative counseling approach to increase motivation and reinforce commitment to change. It empowers people to take active steps toward recovery through personalized goal-setting and strengthening confidence in the ability to quit.
- Support Groups provide a structured environment where individuals share experiences, challenges, and successes in quitting nicotine. They offer social support, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster accountability.
- Holistic Wellness Activities, such as yoga, massage, and fitness training, contribute to nicotine recovery by promoting physical and mental well-being. These interventions reduce stress, improve mood, and support relaxation.
- Don’t Give Up: Remember, nicotine has an extremely high relapse rate. It often takes multiple attempts, social support, and sometimes medication or NRT to quit. Be compassionate with yourself even during moments of weakness or setback.
Empowering Our Community To Make Informed Choices With Nicotine Addiction Education
Rushton Recovery is a detox and residential treatment center in Michigan that offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward sobriety. We are also committed to empowering our community with accurate, evidence-based information about substance use and mental health.
We believe that informed choices are the foundation of healthier lives. Our educational resources and support aim to raise awareness about the effects of smoking and alcohol use. Join us in fostering a community built on knowledge, understanding, and healthier habits.
Connect with our team to learn more.
Sources
[1] CDC. 2024. Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States.
[2] CDC. 2010. Nicotine Addiction: Past and Present.
[3] Tapper, R. (2012). Nicotine persistently activates ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α4 and α6 subunits. Molecular pharmacology, 81(4), 541–548.
[4] UCLA Health. 2017. One e-cigarette with nicotine leads to adrenaline changes in nonsmokers’ hearts.
[5] Shenfan, L. et al. 2023. Smoking relapse reasons among current smokers with previous cessation experience in Shanghai: A cross-sectional study. Tobacco-Induced Diseases.
[6] National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (US) Office on Smoking and Health. 2020. Interventions for Smoking Cessation and Treatments for Nicotine Dependence.