Spot the Signs of Nicotine Addiction
The more often nicotine is used, the more the brain and body adapt to having it—making it harder to go without over time. Most people don’t start using nicotine with the intention of becoming addicted, and addiction looks and feels different for everyone. Having accurate information gives you the power to decide what you want to do next and to make a plan that fits your goals.
What can nicotine addiction feel like?
- Cravings, or feeling like you really need to use nicotine.
- Going out of your way to get nicotine.
- Feeling anxious or irritable if you want to use nicotine but can’t.
- Continuing to use nicotine because you find it hard to stop, not because you want to use nicotine
What can nicotine withdrawal feel like?
- A racing heart, restless
- Inability to concentrate, easily distracted,
- Sweaty palms, headaches, flu-like symptoms
- Mood swings, low frustration tolerance
Are You Ready to Quit?
Here are some resources to help you quit vaping and leave nicotine addiction behind.
- My Life My Quit – Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 My Life My Quit - North Dakota
- My Life My Quit Interactive tools https://nd.mylifemyquit.org/en-us/my-quit/interactive-tools/
- Fargo Cass Public Health: Our Ready to Quit page has a wealth of resources and support.
- North Dakota Health & Human Resources: NDQuits NDQuits - Home
- The Break Away from Nicotine (BAN) program at Fargo Cass Public Health offers free quitting resources to Cass County, ND residents. The program includes personalized, face-to-face counseling and for residents over the age of 18, a limited supply of nicotine replacement therapy. Call 701.241.8576 to learn more.
Why is nicotine dangerous?
Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that acts on same reward pathways as heroin or cocaine. It primes your brain for other future addictions!
Brain Development
• Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that acts on the same reward pathways as heroin or cocaine. It primes a child’s brain for future addictions.
• The brain’s frontal lobe continues to develop until age 25. Nicotine exposure prior to age 25 can change how a young person’s brain is formed, including the ability to pay attention, learn, and make decisions. Nicotine can affect emotional regulation and can permanently lower impulse control.
• The potency of nicotine continues to climb with new products. One nicotine pouch can contain as much nicotine as a half a pack of cigarettes. One e-cigarette can have the nicotine content equivalent of hundreds to even thousands of cigarettes.
Poisoning
Nicotine is a toxin, and exposure to too much can be dangerous whether it is inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or swallowed. It is especially dangerous for young children and pets, even in small amounts. If you are concerned about nicotine poisoning, call Poison Control: 1.800.222.1222. If you believe your pet has ingested nicotine, please contact your veterinarian.
Within the first 15 minutes of exposure, signs of nicotine poisoning, or being “nic sick” in teens and adults include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomachache & loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate & blood pressure
- Headache
- Mouth watering
- Quick, heavy breathing
- Dizziness or tremors
- Confusion and anxiety
From 30 minutes - 4 hours later, symptoms shift and include:
- Diarrhea
- Shallow breathing
- Slower heartbeat and blood pressure
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness, slow reflexes, or unable to control muscles
- Pale skin