The effects of smoking tobacco are irreversible and may cause severe health conditions. In spite of this, individuals addicted to tobacco and smoking often cannot, or will not stop smoking because the nicotine in tobacco smoke is so addictive, both physically and psychologically. Being addicted does not mean that individuals cannot stop smoking, but that it will be as difficult as with hard drugs. "Nicotine is as highly addictive as heroin and cocaine" (Smoking: how to stop). Like those drugs, a smoking addiction is marked by an uncontrollable dependence on the drugùin this case, cigarettes.
The ingredient in tobacco that causes addiction is nicotine, a psychoactive drug with both stimulant and calming effects. "Nicotine impacts on the central nervous system, causing a release of epinephrine, a hormone that causes a 'rush' of energy. After this stimulus subsides, a sedative effect takes over. This progresses to withdrawal symptoms that compel the smoker to reach for another cigarette" (Smoking Addiction). According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS, 1991), nicotine is one of the most toxic and addictive drugs known. Nicotine is also psychologically addictive, reducing stress and inducing alertness and memory. "For some users, the ritual act of smoking itselfàis part of the pleasure" (Smoking Addiction). Because of the emotional factors, ex-smokers may continue to have cravings for nicotine, a reason why many individuals who "kick the habit" return to smoking.
In spite of the fact that most medical experts contend tobacco (nicotine) is the most addictive drug in use, cigarettes are not treated legally as a drug. Nevertheless, they are dangerous. USDHHS (1991) states that one out of every six deaths in the United States is attributable to tobacco. By 2004, the number of smoke-related illnesses in the United States stands at approximately 440,000 deaths each year, many of which are premature ...