Nicotine mental effects

Nicotine dependence is almost invariably caused by addiction to tobacco, because tobacco is the overwhelming source of nicotine. Nicotine present within tobacco products causes physical and mental effects rapidly leading to addiction, and the user continues using tobacco despite adverse health consequences and usually a desire to stop. The widespread use of tobacco, despite its known dangers, probably reflects its low cost and easy availability, its high level of social acceptance until recent years, and its seemingly mild immediate side effects. 

As with the mental effects of nicotine, the physiological effects are brought about by its actions on the nervous system, both peripheral and central. Nicotine changes the transmission of nerve impulses by binding to acetylcholine receptors, and induces the release of several chemical messengers, which in turn affect several body systems. 

West RJ, Jarvis MJ, Russell MA, Carruthers ME, Feyerabend C (1984) Effect of nicotine replacement on the cigarette withdrawal syndrome. Br J Addict 79 215-219 World Bank (1999), Curbing the epidemic governments and the economics of tobacco control. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, The World Bank, Washington, DC World Health Organization (1992) The ICD-10 classification of mental behavioural disorders. World Health Organization, Geneva... 

The behavioral effects of nicotine have been defined as both stimulant and depressant, effects that are influenced by the present mental status and expectations of the smoker. Smokers may feel alert and relaxed. Nicotine produces myriad effects on the central nervous system (CNS), almost all of which appear to be mediated through nicotinic receptors. Additionally, nicotine influences multiple neuronal systems. One of its most prominent effects is stimulated release of dopamine, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, which is a major component of the reward system. Nicotine also stimulates the release of endogenous opioids and glucocorticoids. 

USE Insecticide fumigant. In the U.S. a 40% soln of nicotine sulfate, Black Leaf 40, was the commonly used form. As a contact poison it is most effective as soap, Le., as the laurate, oleate, or naphthenate. As a stomach poison a combination with bentonite has come into use. Caution Highly toxic. Symptoms indude extreme nausea, vomiting, evacuation of bowel and bladder, mental confusion, twitching, convulsions. Base is readily absorbed through mucous membranes and intact skin, but the salts are not. Treatment must be instituted quickly in order to be effective. See Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, R. E. Gosselin et at, Eds, (Williams Wilkins, Baltimore. 4th ed.. 1976) pp 246-249. 

Nicotine patches exemplify efforts to modify mental activity. Patches are also being developed to treat cocaine abuse, in which the brain is flooded with dopamine and other neu-rotransmitters. Craving occurs when the brain reacts by diminishing the effects of cocaine. More and more cocaine must be taken to overcome the tolerance and re-create the high. 

It is my opinion, for reasons presented in the opening arguments of this paper, that for those patients for whom it is effective the control of mental disease by varying the concentrations in the brain of non-toxic substances that are normally present, such as nicotinic acid and ascorbic acid, is to be preferred to the use of phenylthia-zenes and other means of therapy that involve a greater insult to the body and mind. 

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