PAGES Effects of
Nicotine The spread and popularity
of tobacco throughout the world
represents nothing less than a seduction
of whole civilizations, one by one, over
the course of history. We know
today, that the seductive power of
tobacco owes much to the effects of
nicotine on those that use tobacco. The problem is
that anti-smoking movements are
mostly made up of zealots, seemingly
willing to twist facts or even lie in
order to make progress in their
political aims. The aims of
zealots never lead to balance.
Zealots seek to control others, in order
to supposedly help them. Put in
context, if the zealots have their way,
their fellow humans must be protected
from everything enjoyable that has the
chance of causing health problems.
Beer, whiskey, soda pop, candy bars,
bacon, fatty foods, carbs, and even sex
are all enjoyable activties that come
with some level of risk. Some of
these joys of life have also been shown
to have addictive qualities. I like nicotine. I
very purposely use nicotine. I've
quit using it before. And I've
chosen to take up its use again.
The common thought would be that I am a
helpless addict, unable to shake a
dangerous addictive substance.
But, I am here to tell you that I have
quit using nicotine in times of peace
and rest in my life, and I've returned
to nicotine in times of stress and
hardship. I've come to enjoy the
effect it has on me, and I believe I
will continue using it moving
forward. I enjoy it. I enjoy
who I am when I use it. Let's look at how nicotine can have such contradictory effects on its user. At low doses, nicotine potently enhances the actions of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, causing a drug effect typical of those of psychostimulants. At higher doses, nicotine enhances the effect of serotonin and opioid activity, producing a calming, pain-killing effect. Nicotine is unique in comparison to most drugs, as its profile changes from stimulant to sedative/pain killer with increasing dosages and use, a phenomenon described by Paul Nesbitt in his doctoral dissertation and subsequently referred to as "Nesbitt's paradox." When tobacco is used, nicotine-rich
blood travels to the brain and immediately
stimulates the release of many chemical messengers
such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine,
arginine vasopressin, serotonin, dopamine, and
beta-endorphin. This release of
neurotransmitters and hormones is responsible for
most of nicotine's psychoactive effects. Nicotine
appears to enhance concentration and memory due to
the increase of acetylcholine. It also appears to
enhance alertness due to the increases of
acetylcholine and norepinephrine. Arousal is raised
by the increase of norepinephrine. Pain is reduced
by the increases of acetylcholine and
beta-endorphin. Anxiety is reduced by the increase
of beta-endorphin. Nicotine also extends the
duration of positive effects of dopamine and
increases sensitivity in brain reward systems. Now, if someone has never used tobacco, I would not suggest they necessarily start using it. While it is a pleasurable hobby, it can be expensive and there could be health consequences. But, if you already use tobacco or are dead-set on starting, I would strongly suggest nasal snuff as your tobacco of choice. For me personally, tobacco and nicotine are one of many things in life that I enjoy. There are times that I need its calming effect. There are times I need the focus it gives me. There are times I simply need a quiet moment of enjoyment. Snuff tobacco gives me these things. Send comments to markstinson@onmail.com. Don't forget to visit our Blog and Facebook Group. Modern Snuff © 2015, 2016, 2023 by Mark Stinson |
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