This video provides an excellent overview of the risks of nicotine and what makes it such a unique substance. While many of us are aware of the dangers of smoking, I notice there are still many people who dismiss the risks or are in denial about their addiction. Many have replaced smoking with vaping and, more recently, with smokeless, spit-free nicotine pouches (read more about the growing popularity of nicotine pouches here).
Nicotine provides temporary relief and instant gratification, making smokers feel good almost immediately. It offers several benefits and social aspects, such as enhanced focus, mental breaks, appetite suppression, and improved social interactions. Additionally, it provides sensory satisfaction due to the act of smoking or vaping.
The composition of a cigarette includes dried tobacco, chemicals for slow-burning, and flavors. The inhalation process involves gases and tar particles interacting with the respiratory system, and nicotine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to immediate effects. However, the health effects are significant. In the short term, smoking increases heart rate, releases dopamine, relaxes the smoker, and improves focus. Long-term effects include addiction due to the brain's adjustment, where smokers need nicotine to feel normal. Damage to the lungs includes cilia paralysis, alveoli damage, and increased mucus production. Systemic damage includes cardiovascular stress, accelerated skin aging, and a weakened immune system. Smokers face increased risks of chronic diseases like COPD, higher cancer risks, and a reduced lifespan.
The video discusses the challenges of addiction, noting nicotine's highly addictive nature, especially for teenagers. The psychological and social aspects of addiction often persist beyond physical dependency. Despite these challenges, smoking rates have declined from 34% in 2000 to 23% in 2020. However, in 2023, smoking still caused 8 million annual deaths. Still, there are many successful strategies for quitting smoking, and significant health benefits can be achieved even when quitting later in life.