Tobacco use disorder

Tobacco Use Disorder

How does nicotine affect your body?

When you use tobacco, nicotine reaches your brain in seconds. It both stimulates and slows down your central nervous system. It causes a sudden increase in blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. It also causes pleasant effects, such as feeling relaxed and more alert, but they don't last long.

Nicotine is very addictive. As its effects wear off, nicotine withdrawal begins, causing you to want more nicotine. The more you use nicotine, the more of it you need to feel the same effect. And repeated use causes withdrawal symptoms and cravings when you try to quit.

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