Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Dependence and addiction

Nicotine is highly addictive. When tobacco is consumed, nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream and, over time, will create tolerance and dependence. Despite the well-documented harmful effects to the body, many people find it hard to stop smoking.

Nicotine acts on the brain's reward pathways (feelings of pleasure) within ten seconds of inhaling tobacco smoke. However, the pleasurable feeling dissipates within a few minutes, causing the smoker to crave more 'dosing' to maintain the pleasurable feeling and prevent withdrawal.

Overdose

Nicotine overdose is very rare because it is difficult to get enough of the chemical into a person’s system through smoking. However, nicotine is poisonous and if very large amounts are taken overdose is possible. Someone who has had too much nicotine will feel faint and confused, and will experience a rapid drop in blood pressure and breathing rate. This can escalate to convulsions and death from respiratory failure.