Tobacco

ALSO KNOWN AS: Cigarettes, Chew, Nicotine, Coffin Nails, Cigars, Stogies, Cigs, Butts, Snuff, Fags, Smokes, Chewing Tobacco.

SIGNS/EFFECTS OF USE: The active ingredient in tobacco products, which include cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, is nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant that can affect the heart, central nervous system, and metabolism; users report feelings of relaxation and increased alertness. Some users may lose weight. Because of nicotine's ability to act on the dopaminergic system, or the body's reward system, tobacco can be a highly addictive substance. Nicotine raises blood pressure while simultaneously constricting blood vessels, making it more difficult for the heart to pump the blood. For this reason, extensive nicotine use may be linked to circulatory disease. Tobacco use also places the user at greater risk for heart attack, asthma, coronary heart disease, and lung, pancreatic, mouth, and larynx cancers as well as emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

WITHDRAWAL: Withdrawal from tobacco can cause insomnia, weight gain, changes in mood, cravings, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, and strange dreams. Because withdrawal can be so unpleasant, it is best to consult your doctor before attempting to stop tobacco use.

See also:

• 3 Signs of Marijuana Use
• How to Talk to a Child About Drugs
• How to Talk to a Teen About Drugs