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What Is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco plants. It is the main chemical responsible for tobacco dependence and is found in products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, and e-cigarettes (vapes).

Although not inherently carcinogenic, nicotine contributes to cardiovascular strain, dependency, and increases risk for lifelong smoking habits that cause cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

How Is It Used?

  • Smoking – cigarettes, cigars, pipes

  • Vaping – electronic cigarettes, vape pens

  • Chewing tobacco or snuff placed between the gum and cheek

  • Nicotine patches or gums (in quitting aids – regulated)

Short-Term Effects

  • Mild stimulation

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

  • Relaxation (in low doses)

Long-Term Effects

  • Addiction

  • Heart disease

  • Chronic lung conditions (COPD)

  • Increased risk of cancer

Street Names

  • Smokes

  • Cigs

  • Vape

  • Dip (for smokeless)

  • Snuff

Health Risks

  • Heart disease, high blood pressure

  • Lung cancer, emphysema, COPD

  • Stunted brain development in teens

  • Increased anxiety and mood disorders

  • Highly addictive – harder to quit than heroin for many

References

WHO – Tobacco Facts

NIDA – Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products

CDC – E-cigarettes and Nicotine