No Tobacco

Tobacco is one of the most widely abused substances in the world. It is highly addictive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that tobacco causes 6 million deaths per year. This makes tobacco the leading cause of preventable death.

Nicotine is the main addictive chemical in tobacco. It causes a rush of adrenaline when absorbed in the bloodstream or inhaled via cigarette smoke. Nicotine also triggers an increase in dopamine. This is sometimes referred to as the brain’s “happy” chemical.

Dopamine stimulates the area of the brain associated with pleasure and reward. Like any other drug, use of tobacco over time can cause a physical and psychological addiction. This is also true for smokeless forms of tobacco, such as snuff and chewing tobacco.

What are the symptoms of tobacco and nicotine addiction?

A tobacco addiction is harder to hide than other addictions. This is largely because tobacco is legal, easily obtained, and can be consumed in public.

Some people can smoke socially or occasionally, but others become addicted. An addiction may be present if the person:

• cannot stop smoking or chewing, despite attempts to quit

• has withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit (shaky hands, sweating, irritability, or rapid heart rate)

• must smoke or chew after every meal or after long periods of time without using, such as after a movie or work meeting

• needs tobacco products to feel “normal” or turns to them during times of stress

• gives up activities or won’t attend events where smoking or tobacco use is not allowed