Related Reading

Take the Nicotine Quiz

Nicotine, one of the main chemicals in tobacco, is the primary reason that smoking is so addictive, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Even though most smokers know that smoking is bad for them, they find it difficult to quit because of nicotine's effect.

1. Nicotine causes which of these changes in the body?
2. What happens when nicotine comes into contact with the brain?
3. How does dependence on nicotine develop?
4. What's the most common reason for not quitting?
5. Cigarette smoke contains traces of which of these harmful chemicals?
6. Cigarette filters remove which of these when a smoker inhales?
7. Research on how nicotine alters brain chemistry may help scientists develop new drugs. What type are they?
8. Which of these is the most significant health risk for smokers?
Publication Source: Vitality magazine/October 1999
Author: Floria, Barbara
Online Source: NIDA - Research Report Series - Nicotine Addiction http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Nicotine/Nicotine.html
Online Editor: Sinovic, Dianna
Online Medical Reviewer: Reviewed by the StayWell Clinical Content Team
Date Last Reviewed: 11/10/2008
Date Last Modified: 9/17/2009