It is extremely difficult to beat nicotine addiction, especially for long term smokers. The majority of smokers fail their quits because they are largely unaware of how their addiction actually works. If you smoke and would like to quit, take these five basic nicotine addiction facts and start building your knowledge.
Nicotine is a Fast Mover.
When you smoke, it only takes ten to twenty seconds for nicotine to enter the brain. It also has a half life of around 60 minutes, which means that every 60 minutes, nicotine levels in the body halve. This results in a quick turn around for cravings.
Nicotine Causes a Dopamine High in the Brain.
Nicotine triggers the brain to release dopamine, the chemical responsible for generating the satisfying and pleasurable feelings we get from eating, drinking and having sex. This process is what starts the chemical dependency.
The More You Smoke, The More You Will Need to Smoke.
A physiological process called up-regulation, occurs in the brain when you smoke or chew tobacco. The brain becomes de-sensitized to nicotine and requires more of it to trigger a dopamine high.
Nicotine Addiction is a Chronic Brain Disease.
Once a smoker becomes chemically dependent, the brain undergoes an aggressive and progressive transformation.
The brain of a long term smoker has a complex web of neural networks that have hijacked areas of the brain that link to memory, emotions and everyday actions. Long term smokers associate just about everything they do, with smoking.
Nicotine Addiction Recovery, Requires a Long Term Treatment Plan.
With a well thought out plan and a well prepared strategy, almost complete recovery from nicotine addiction is possible.
By coming to terms with the physical reality of addiction and adopting an attitude that accepts it is a disease, a smoker dramatically increases their chance to successfully become an ex smoker.
There are numerous treatments available to treat nicotine addiction. With sufficient education, support, consultation and a choice to seek treatment, every smoker can regain a more satisfying and rewarding life through recovery.