Nicotine is a hell of a drug
Nicotine is one of the most notorious substances of our century. Even though people are becoming more careful about the dangers of nicotine, at one point, almost half of the world population ingested nicotine in one form or another. The reputation of nicotine comes from its both stimulant and anxiolytic effects. But how is that possible? Let me first explain nicotine on a molecular level.
Nicotine is a molecule that binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in our brain, which are some of the most ubiquitous neurotransmitter receptors we have. Nicotine is, in fact, so ubiquitous that these receptors were named after it. Nicotine affects various tissues in our body, leading to different effects.
Why is nicotine so addictive?
Nicotine is a fast-acting molecule that is quickly distributed throughout the bloodstream, and it crosses the blood-brain barrier in 15 seconds after inhalation. This is comparable to other forms of ingesting nicotine, like nicotine pouches, vaping, etc., and is a part of the reason why nicotine is so addictive. Another reason is the fact that when ingested, nicotine quickly floods reward pathways of your brain with “feel-good molecules”.
Nicotine also causes a small but noticeable rush due to its activating effect on our sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline through our bloodstream. However, nicotine is not like other drugs. Even though dopamine plays a huge role in every type of addiction, nicotine addiction is far more sinister in nature.
When using any kind of drug, the euphoria is almost instant, and this feeling causes an alarm in our brain that something this good cannot come without consequences. Try to imagine a fire alarm going off in your brain when you feel good without paying the price. Nicotine is different since you need to force yourself to become addicted to it. Every smoker knows how they felt disgusted when they first tried smoking a cigarette in their teenage years. Nicotine addiction is far more subtle since it sneaks past the brain's fire alarm. We thought that we could not get addicted to something so disgusting. We were, of course, terribly mistaken.
How can nicotine be both a stimulant and a depressant?
Nicotine provides its user with a burst of euphoria, energy, and improves focus and memory, but it can also be used for its anxiolytic and sedative effect since it releases endorphins- molecules that act as natural painkillers. The effects of these endorphins, while noticeable, are not the main cause of nicotine’s anxiolytic effect.
Nicotine is primarily a stimulant. It activates our sympathetic nervous system, which releases adrenaline through our bloodstream, increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, energy levels, and alertness. These effects last for a short amount of time, and with their passing, a state of relaxation takes over. People who are not addicted to nicotine usually don’t notice the latter effects but only feel lightheaded after a hit of nicotine. Contrary to them, people with nicotine addiction feel relaxed not because of the innate relaxing effect of nicotine, but because they have lessened their withdrawal symptoms of nicotine use.
Withdrawal symptoms are what make nicotine one of the most potent drugs we can consume. Nicotine withdrawal occurs when the body (and brain), having become dependent on nicotine for dopamine release, experiences symptoms such as cravings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, increased appetite, and mood swings as it adjusts to the absence of nicotine. It is the main reason smokers continue to smoke.
The true problem with nicotine
If we could get rid of the addictive properties of nicotine, it would be one of the healthiest drugs in the world. The problem with nicotine, aside from its addictive properties, isn’t its toxic effect on our organs, but the toxic effect of the route of administration of nicotine. In other words, nicotine won’t harm you, but the way you use it will.
Cigarettes, vapes, zyns, and so on are all possible ways to use nicotine, and they all cause cancer, emphysema, bronchitis, and other nasty diseases, while nicotine is one of the most potent neuroprotectants in the world.
Some studies confirm that the regular use of nicotine lowers your chance of developing some neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease. The problem lies in the fact that if you regularly smoke, there is a high chance that you will die before reaching the age for the development of developing Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Similarly, nicotine appears to have a protective effect in ulcerative colitis. Some studies suggest that nicotine can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, and nicotine may not have the same positive effect on everyone with this condition.
Aside from these specific cases, it is noted that nicotine can also improve alertness, concentration, and memory, but can also be used as an aid in weight management.
So what can we do about it?
Is there a way to use the beneficial properties of nicotine without the mentioned harmful effects?
Nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, and nasal sprays, can help provide nicotine without the harmful chemicals and tar found in cigarettes. NRTs are designed to deliver controlled amounts of nicotine over time, which can help alleviate cravings and potentially harness the beneficial effects of nicotine, like reducing inflammation in ulcerative colitis or improving cognitive function without the toxic side effects of smoking.
NRT allows for more controlled and measured nicotine intake, reducing the risk of addiction or overdose, which is a concern with smoking or using high-dose nicotine products. However, even when using controlled methods of nicotine delivery, such as NRTs, there is still the risk of developing nicotine dependence or addiction. It's crucial to use these products cautiously, under medical supervision, and with a clear plan for eventual cessation.
TLDR:
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that acts as both a stimulant and a depressant. It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, leading to rapid effects like increased energy, focus, and euphoria, while also releasing endorphins that provide relaxation and anxiolytic benefits. Despite its calming effects, nicotine is primarily a stimulant, activating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing heart rate and alertness, followed by a relaxation phase, which often helps users alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine withdrawal, characterized by cravings, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances, contributes to its addictive nature. While nicotine itself may have neuroprotective benefits, such as reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and aiding in conditions like ulcerative colitis, its harmful health effects come from the methods of delivery (e.g., smoking, vaping) rather than the substance itself. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), like patches and gum, offer a safer alternative by providing controlled doses of nicotine, minimizing harmful side effects, but they still carry the risk of addiction and should be used under medical supervision.