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Psychological Effects of Nicotine

The psychological effects of nicotine are directly related to its addictive properties. Nicotine fades rapidly from the system. From the moment a smoker puts out a cigarette, her body goes into withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms enhance the psychological effects, creating a greater dependency on the next cigarette.

  1. Pick Me Up

    • Nicotine is a depressant and a stimulant. Yet many smokers cannot get their day started without their morning cigarette and coffee. The combination of stimulant (coffee) and depressant (nicotine) theoretically cancel each other out. The psychological pick-me-up is difficult to counteract.

    Stress Reliever

    • Smokers reach for a cigarette when they want to relax, but the stimulant properties of nicotine cause a jolt of energy as opposed to relaxation. The stress reliever in nicotine is the fulfillment of the body's physical craving.

    Mental Focus

    • Nicotine dependence can lead to needing nicotine to accomplish basic tasks like writing, reading and detail work. Workers often flock to smoking areas when pushing a deadline to get a little more focus. The stimulant properties of nicotine provide a temporary mental clearing, generally because they relieve the nagging nicotine cravings which can be distracting.

    Pattern Behavior

    • Cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence lead to pattern behaviors such as smoking after a meal or smoking while driving a car. Concentration can be disrupted if the pattern behavior is not completed. These psychological effects of nicotine make quitting extremely different.

    Psychological Dependence

    • The basic need for nicotine is only partially physical and relieved within 48 hours of ceasing smoking. The psychological need can linger for weeks and months after the last cigarette.

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