You might be aware of the impact smoking has on your lungs, but have you considered its effects on your brain?
A recent study has highlighted the significant life reduction associated with smoking just one cigarette. While this might not be enough to convince some people to quit, understanding its influence on the brain could provide the necessary motivation to cease inhaling nicotine and tar.
Animated Biomedical has developed a ‘3D representation of the effect smoking and nicotine have on your body and brain’ and posted this simulation on YouTube.
“It takes around 10 seconds for the nicotine to reach your brain. This surge of nicotine is so satisfying that you immediately feel better.
“Over time, your body gets used to the good feelings from nicotine and you can’t do without it. This means you’re addicted.
“You feel good when your nicotine levels are high and bad when they’re low. This up and down effect goes on all day which is why it can be difficult to give up.”
Indeed, Healthline notes nicotine ‘activates dopamine signals, creating a pleasurable sensation’ and can lead to developing a ‘tolerance’.
Reactions to this information have been swift.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-prS3Ag8uU
One commenter on YouTube shared: “Thank God. I stop smoking cigarette two month know.”
Another declared, “I have never smoked and I refuse to try it,” while a third shared their own story, saying: “Please never touch one, my personal experience I bought a pac of cigarettes out of curiosity and decided to smoke 1 cigarette a day, after smoking just one cigarette for a couple of days I started have this strong craving to smoke another, it turned to two a day, when that pack cigarette was over I wanted to get another and a another soon I was smoking 3 a day and kept craving more, I developed an addiction so finally one day I decided to stop, it was the worst experience ever the withdrawal symptoms was so bad I wasn’t able to sleep although I was so tired and exhausted
“[…] It was one of the worst experiences of my life. It was absolute hell for almost two months.”
Healthline further explains that due to smoking altering your brain, you might ‘experience a variety of side effects including anxiety, irritability, and a strong craving for nicotine’ as a result of developing a dependence on nicotine.
Nonetheless, consulting your doctor, trying nicotine replacement therapies, seeking counseling support, practicing relaxation techniques, and focusing on activities such as exercise, spending time with family, hobbies, and sleep can all support the journey to quitting for good.