Written by Aimee Oliveri (Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Content Creator) in Collaboration with Clarity Health Care

What is Nicotine Smoking?

Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, is a stimulant drug that speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body. It is the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. When smoked, nicotine rapidly enters the bloodstream, affecting the brain and body. Despite widespread awareness of its harmful effects, nicotine smoking continues to pose a significant health risk to individuals across Australia.

Effects of Nicotine Smoking

Nicotine affects everyone differently, based on:

-          Size, weight and health

-          Whether the person is used to taking it

-          Whether other drugs are taken around the same time

-          The amount taken

-          The strength of the tobacco and how much is contained in the product.

Short-term Effects

 The immediate short-term effects of smoking tobacco are:

 -         Increased heart rate and blood pressure.

-          Constricted blood vessels, leading to reduced circulation, tingling and numbness.

-          Heightened adrenaline production, resulting in temporary energy boosts.

-          Feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

-          Decreased appetite and altered taste perception.

-          Irritability, anxiety, and restlessness upon withdrawal.

Long-term Effects

The long-term effects of smoking tobacco products which contain nicotine have been well documented, and are a major preventable cause of premature death and disability around the world, including:

 -         Respiratory issues such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

-          Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

-          Reduced lung function and increased susceptibility to infections.

-          Development of various cancers, including lung, throat, and mouth cancer.

-          Impaired fertility in both men and women.

-          Compromised immune system functioning.

-          In Australia, smoking is costly, and can cause significant financial burden.

-          Blindness and cataracts (eye diseases).

-          Periodontitis (yellowing teeth, gum disease).

-          Diabetes.

-          Rheumatoid arthritis.

Smoking And Psychiatric Medications

The effects of using nicotine with over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable. The tar in cigarette smoke causes the body to break down some medications, particularly clozapine, olanzapine, or haloperidol, more quickly than usual. Moreover, who smoke nicotine while on the contraceptive pill are at an increased risk of blood clots forming.

It’s important to check with a medical professional about whether nicotine might affect any medications you are taking.

Harm Minimisation Strategies

While quitting nicotine smoking is the ultimate goal, harm minimisation strategies can help mitigate its adverse effects:

-     Reduce the amount of nicotine used per cigarette e.g., 4mg instead of 16mg.

-     Smoke filtered cigarettes as opposed to non-filtered.

-     Decrease your cigarette usage to a lower amount every day.

-     Put an elastic band around your cigarette packet – it’s harder to open and gives you time to think.

-     Use nicotine with medical supervision.

-     Become aware of the habits that tempt you to smoke.

-     Use the 4D’s:

-          Deep breath

-          Drink fluids (avoid coffee and alcohol)

-          Do something else

-          Delay when you feel like a smoke

-     Establish designated smoking areas and avoid smoking indoors.

-     Engage in activities that distract from cravings, such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques.

Quitting Nicotine Smoking

Quitting smoking or cutting down can be very difficult, since withdrawal symptoms can be intense, can last days or weeks, and people can be susceptible to feelings of loss, sadness, and anxiety.

If you’re aiming to reduce or quit, consider the following:

-          Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in tobacco and can be replaced via patches, lozenges, inhalers, gum or sprays to decrease the desire to smoke and gradually reduce nicotine dependence. Doses are initially tailored to the amount you usually smoke and then gradually reduced to a dose that stops you craving.

-          Medical professionals can prescribe medications such as varenicline or bupropion, which can aid in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, these medications require caution and careful consideration, as they carry side effects, especially for people with mental illness.

-          If you have a mental illness and you want to stop smoking or change your smoking habits, it is very important that you contact your doctor or a member of your healthcare team to discuss this, especially if you are on clozapine, olanzapine, or haloperidol, as your dose may need to be adjusted, even if you are planning to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Thus, taking steps to reduce or quit nicotine smoking is best done under the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure safety and increase chances of success.

Getting Help

 If you're struggling with nicotine smoking, remember that support is available:

-          See your Doctor for information and referral.

-          Contact Quitline Australia on 13 7848 for free and confidential advice and support tailored to quitting smoking.

-          Path2Help: The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s free, online platform that helps you find alcohol or other drug services near you.

-          Explore online platforms like QuitNow and My QuitBuddy for additional resources and community support.