Contrary to popular belief, cigarettes don't help you relax. Although nicotine offers temporary relief, it acts only in response to the urge to smoke, without reducing long-term stress; in fact, it increases it.
Nicotine is a psychoactive substance that reaches the brain within seconds of inhalation. It binds to specific receptors, triggering the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, giving a feeling of pleasure and lightness. However, these effects are short-lived and quickly followed by dependence.
Because of this dependence, smokers feel a constant need to smoke to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and anxiety. This cycle reinforces the misconception that smoking helps manage stress, when in fact nicotine addiction is the source of their anxiety.
Research also shows that stress can increase the desire to smoke. Although acute stress doesn't necessarily increase the number of cigarettes smoked, it does make smoking more rewarding for addicted smokers. Indeed, those with a strong nicotine dependency find more pleasure in smoking after a moment of stress, thus reinforcing their behavior.
Fortunately, nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches or gums, offer an alternative way of managing nicotine withdrawal without the risks associated with smoking. These methods reduce dependency in a safer, more controlled way, making weaning easier.
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