Nicotine Addiction

Ok, so today I had thoughts about smoking again and I decided to look up some information on nicotine addiction. As a result I realized that even though I haven't smoked in almost a month I am still feeling the effects of the addiction I had/have to nicotine. I can't believe that I thought I was in control of my smoking and that I did it because I wanted to. Yeah right! Reality check I did it because my body told me too. What a false sense of control that is esspecially when you realize for the first time that you have an addiction! That's right if you smoke you have an addiction. There I just admitted it. I was addicted to nicotine and am still dealing with the side effects from it. It's kind of empowering when you say that and realize that you can be in control again. Later addiction I'm moving onto a healthier happier life style.

Here is some info on Nicotine for you:

What Is Nicotine?
Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, with nicotine being the primary component. Nicotine is a naturally occurring colorless liquid that comes from the tobacco plant. It is considered an addictive drug, making cigarette smoking the most prevalent form of nicotine addiction in the United States.

Nicotine and Dopamine
Nicotine activates the same reward pathways in the brain that other drugs of abuse such as cocaine or amphetamines do, although to a lesser degree. Research has shown that nicotine increases the level of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being. The acute effects of nicotine wear off within minutes, so people must continue dosing themselves frequently throughout the day to maintain the pleasurable effects of nicotine and to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Click here for more information about Nicotine Addiction.

One last thing! If you were like me and insist you smoke because you want to stop and think about what you are saying. It's like saying I play Russian roulette because I want to. The bottom line is cigarette smoking is a biological process of addiction, not just a habit.