• Question: Why is nicotine so addictive? Has it got something to do with your brain?

    Asked by Emily to Damien, Suzi, Tim on 23 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 23 Jun 2011:

      Hi @hippieslacker
      Nicotine is addictive because it affects your brain, yes. It affects the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. But the reason it’s so addictive is because the effect lasts for such a short period of time. After this, the levels of these chemicals change rapidly in the other way, which leads you to experience withdrawal, and crave more nicotine.

      This is why so many people get hooked, even though nearly everyone doesn’t enjoy their first cigarette!

      Hope this helps – you can read more here:
      http://www.talktofrank.com/drugs.aspx?id=202

      Let me know if you want more info!

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