Effects of nicotine on the nervous system

Smoking is considered a serious health problem worldwide. Tobacco is made with the tobacco leaf that, after mixing with other substances and adding additives, is chopped and packaging in the form of cigarettes. Tobacco contains nicotine, a psychoactive and addictive substance that has effects on both central and peripheral nervous system. In this Psychology-online article, Effects of nicotine on the nervous system, We see what nicotine is and we detail in depth its effects, as well as disorders related to this substance. We also name how to evaluate nicotine addiction and treatment the corresponding.

1. What is nicotine?
2. Effects of nicotine on the nervous system
3. Nicotine -related disorders

What is nicotine?

Nicotine is a natural alkaloid substance that has a psychoactive effect Very powerful, with effects on the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, given its ease to cross the blood brain barrier. Nicotine is the CAUSING OF THE DEPENDENCE And tobacco addiction, that is, it consists of an addictive drug, in fact, it is one of the most addictive substances known. It is also one of the most studied substances.

Nicotine is a tobacco component, left of the leaf Nicotiana TabacumHE. This substance is mainly consumed by the inhalation of the smoke of tobacco cigarettes. Each cigarette contains approximately 10 milligrams of nicotine, although approximately 2 mg is inhaled.

The duration of the multiple effects of nicotine is approximately 2 hours although it can vary between 1 and 4 hours. Finally, this substance is metabolized in the liver.

Effects of nicotine on the nervous system

Nicotine is an addictive drug that acts in the brain, that is, in the central nervous system, and is the cause of tobacco addiction.

First, after smoke inhalation, nicotine is absorbed at the lung level and lungs passes into the blood. Arterial circulation takes nicotine to the brain quickly, in approximately 10 seconds. The speed of the effect of this substance is one of the factors that favors addiction to the same. Then, through blood circulation, it reaches the other parts of the organism. Finally, it joins specific receptors.

In the brain, nicotine becomes intermediate metabolites that They act in nicotinic cholinergic receptors of the central nervous system, this begins its action. Nicotinic receptors are ionic channel receptors, which produce an answer practically immediate neuronal response. Then activate the adrenal glands and produces an adrenaline discharge. Consequence of this is body stimulation and increased blood pressure, heart and respiratory rhythm, that is, effects on the peripheral nervous system. The neuroendocrine effects caused by nicotine are Increased adrenochricopa, cortisol, vasopressin, aldosterone, Growth and prolactin hormone. These alterations may have implications in behavior.

Addictive substances such as nicotine affect a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Specifically, nicotine produces its action by linking by chemical bonds to molecular receptors of dopamine nerve cells, activating neurons. In fact, it has been found that the protein that is linked to nicotine in dopamine cells is called Beta 2. Thus, nicotine causes the Dopamine release and the increase in the concentration of this in the regions of the brain of the reward system, such as the accumbens nucleus, producing the sensation of pleasure. In this way, it is propitiated that the behavior that has produced the increase in dopamine is repeated, that is, the smoking action. Becoming an addiction.

When neurons are extended to the nicotine, they first sensitize to the substance but then desensitize. Here begins phenomenon of tolerance: The effect is reduced, as the number of nicotinic receptors in the brain grows.

When the nicotine disappears, excess receptors cause discomfort and nervousness: phenomenon known as abstion, since the stress system is activated. However, if the nicotine disappears for weeks, the number of receptors is reduced again to normal. Here you could say that detoxification has occurred.

The effect of tobacco on cognitive functions has been investigated and it has been discovered that at the immediate level the nicotine produces improvements in the execution of cognitive tasks due to cholinergic activity and the increase in cortical arousal. However, in the long term, the action of nicotine Reduces neurons formation, while abstinence It involves cognitive deterioration.

Nicotine -related disorders

Nicotine poisoning

After the consumption of high doses of nicotine, poisoning can occur, characterized by alterations at the level of consciousness, in perception, in thoughts, in the mood and behavior. Insomnia, strange dreams, emotional lability, derealization, nausea or vomiting, sweating, tachycardia and arrhythmias can occur.

Nicotine poisoning does not usually happen with cigarettes but with the cutaneous administration.

The dependence on nicotine

After repeated consumption of nicotine, cognitive, physiological and behaviors are produced, mainly characterized by the intense and compulsive desire of consuming nicotine. There are difficulties in controlling consumption and this persists despite the negative consequences that it entails. To the point of giving priority to consumption rather than other activities. Concern for consumption is usual. Also the tolerance effect, that is, the need to increase the amount to achieve the same effect. There is also an abstinence picture when for consumption.

The FAGERSTROM test is a nicotine dependence test widely used to calculate the addiction level.

Nicotine abstinence syndrome

After the decrease or stop of nicotine consumption, having previously existed regular and prolonged consumption, withdrawal syndrome occurs. Abstinence symptoms can occur from a few hours after the last time the nicotine was consumed, being its peak between 24 and 48 hours. Reporting syndrome is characterized by the impulsive desire for nicotine, the depressive or dysphoric mood, discomfort, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, the difficulty of concentration, restlessness and increased appetite or weight and cough.

Much of the symptoms usually last a few weeks, but the anxiety to smoke can last for years. In general, tobacco adduction can be treated through cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, especially applied in group format.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Effects of nicotine on the nervous system, We recommend that you enter our category of addictions.