TOBACCO

Tobacco effects the brain in many ways. Some that are more deadly than others, even if all of them are deadly as is...

Upon arriving in the bloodstream nicotine stimulates the adrenal glands. Thus causing the brain to release epinephrine.

When nicotine is constantly in the bloodstream and epinephrine is constantly released it causes many problems.
Such as..

Untitled Slide

• High or increased blood pressure (above 120/80)
• Increased heart-rate
• Increased respiration

Untitled Slide

How it effects the brain in general

Tobacco use can also cause preclinical brain changes including silent brain infarcts, white matter hypertensities, single measures of cognition and dementia.

The nicotine molecule is shaped like a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine and its receptors are involved in many functions, including muscle movement, breathing, heart rate, learning, and memory.

They also cause the release of other neurotransmitters and hormones that affect your mood, appetite, memory, and more.

When nicotine gets into the brain, it attaches to acetylcholine receptors and mimics the actions of acetylcholine.

Nicotine also activates areas of the brain that are involved in producing feelings of pleasure and reward. Recently, scientists discovered that nicotine raises the levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the parts of the brain that produce feelings of pleasure and reward.

When an addicted user tries to quit, he or she experiences withdrawal symptoms including irritability, attention difficulties, sleep disturbances, increased appetite, and powerful cravings for tobacco. Treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve the likelihood of successfully quitting.

Untitled Slide

SOURCES

• http://teens.drugabuse.gov/educators/nida-teaching-guides/mind-over-matter/...
• http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cigarettes-other-tobacco-pr...

They also cause the release of other neurotransmitters and hormones that affect your mood, appetite, memory, and more.

Nicotine also activates areas of the brain that are involved in producing feelings of pleasure and reward.

Untitled Slide