what is nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound present in tobacco and vaping devices. It is a stimulant drug that speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body. Nicotine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can be smoked in cigarettes or cigars, inhaled using vaping devices, or absorbed through the lining of the mouth by using smokeless tobacco. Nicotine is the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products. It is as addictive as heroin or cocaine, which makes it extremely difficult to quit. Nicotine use can have many different effects on the body, including decreasing appetite, boosting mood, increasing activity in the intestines, and increasing the heart rate. Withdrawal symptoms of nicotine include anxiety, anger, restlessness, and insomnia. Nicotine is not the only harmful substance in tobacco products, as tar and carbon monoxide are also released when tobacco is burned, which can cause serious health effects such as lung diseases, heart disease, and stroke.