← Return to Anyone using Nicotine patches for Long Covid?

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@preachere

There are 15 chemicals (among the 200 in cigarettes) that tobacco companies were legally allowed to use in their cigarettes that made smoking addictive. In other words, it was NOT the nicotine that caused you to become addicted to smoking. I use to smoke up to 3 packs a day and I'm excited to try the nicotine patches for reasons other than quitting smoking. I haven't smoked since 1989. Good luck!

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Replies to "There are 15 chemicals (among the 200 in cigarettes) that tobacco companies were legally allowed to..."

While you're correct that cigarettes do indeed have many chemicals added to them in addition to tobacco, it's the NICOTINE that is the primary cause of addiction, and that's widely known and acknowledged, despite some fringe websites that try to promote alternative conspiracy theories (as if the tobacco industry itself wasn't already conspiratorial enough!).

From the article "Nicotine Addiction and Smoking: Health Effects and Interventions" , for example:

"Nicotine addiction works by activating the brain's reward system, particularly the ventral tegmental area in the midbrain, similar to other addictive drugs and alcohol. This activation stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain's reward pathways, creating pleasurable sensations that reinforce the desire to use nicotine repeatedly. Over time, the brain adapts to these increased dopamine levels, leading to tolerance, where more nicotine is needed to achieve the same effects. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and strong cravings occur when nicotine levels drop, making it challenging for individuals to quit. These neurobiological mechanisms contribute to the powerful and persistent nature of nicotine addiction."

I'm surprised that Mayoclinic doesn't moderate these discussions to prevent the spread of obvious mis/disinformation.