Disclaimer!

This post is created with the help of Google AI “Gemini” and is written for documentation and entertainment purposes only. Always do your own research and be skeptical about everything you see and read on the internet.

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a highly addictive, poisonous chemical and stimulant found in tobacco plants, acting on the brain to cause pleasure and alertness but also increasing heart rate and blood pressure, making tobacco products like cigarettes and vapes hard to quit, and historically used as an insecticide. It’s a plant alkaloid that stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, leading to dependence, though it can be used in lower doses for cessation.

Key Characteristics

Source

Primary from tobacco, but also in small amounts in other nightshade plants like tomatoes.

Nature

An oily, colorless liquid in pure form, it’s a potent neurotoxin for insects.

Addiction

The main reason people get hooked on tobacco products, with addiction levels comparable to heroin or cocaine.

Effects on the Body (Short-Term)

Stimulant

Activates The central nervous system, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness.

Mood

Can create a sense of well-being, relaxation, and boost mood by releasing dopamine and other brain chemicals.

Physical

May cause nausea, dizziness, increased saliva, and intestinal activity.

Uses & Products

Tobacco Products

The primary source in cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and hookah.

Vaping

A common ingredient in e-cigarettes and vapes.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Used in gums, patches, and lozenges to help people quit smoking.

Insecticide

Historically used for its toxic properties against pests.

Health Risks

While nicotine itself has risks like increased heart strain, it’s often combined with numerous other harmful chemicals in tobacco, significantly increasing the danger.

High doses can be toxic, causing confusion, vomiting, and even death.