Image Credit:https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/evali-new-information-on-vaping-induced-lung-injury-2020040319359
Many consumers, including teenagers, believe that vaping is a safer way to consume nicotine than smoking, however, nicotine in any form can have severe health consequences. While there may be fewer chemicals in e-cigarettes, they are not necessarily a safer alternative to cigarettes. In addition, nicotine in e-cigarettes can still be addictive.
What is Nicotine?
Nicotine is a stimulant and a sedative that is found in products like e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and chewing or snorting tobacco. It is a chemical that is naturally found in the tobacco plant. Because of nicotine’s effects on the brain, it is highly addictive.
What Nicotine Does to the Brain
Nicotine in any form, no matter how it is delivered, can be an addictive substance. In e-cigarettes, nicotine is inhaled and absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. It reaches the brain in about 10 seconds.
Nicotine activates the reward center of the brain. It binds to acetylcholine receptors in the brain, releasing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This activation of the reward system can lead to addictive behaviors, as people repeatedly seek those pleasurable feelings associated with dopamine.
It’s also common that tolerance to nicotine develops, so people need more of a drug to feel its effects. In fact, long-term nicotine use has been shown to increase the number of acetylcholine receptors, leading to intense cravings.
While nicotine in an e-cigarette may be less harmful, it is still highly addictive. A person can become addicted through e-cigarette use without trying another substance. Teens are especially at risk for developing an addiction, but early intervention and treatment can improve outcomes.
If you are one of the sufferers or witness of a person involved in Substance abuse or know someone who needs care for this particular aspect, it is important to consult an expert of the field who can understand the sensitivity of the issue and is able to provide the addict with a sound environment for getting out of this traumatic activity.
Serene Retreat is one of the leading Addiction and Mental Health Treatment provider based in Malaysia with its branches locally and abroad which is working for the betterment of the people and working on their treatment processes with all the SOPs in practice and continue to bring healthy positive changes in their lifestyles. For more information about our treatment programs you can reach us via Call/Whatsapp +60 14-687 2268 or visit our website www.sereneretreat.com.my.
