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Nicotine is a habit forming drug just like other substances such as morphine, cocaine, alcohol and so on. Nicotine is known to act as a stimulant as well as help the individual relax when consumed. It has been observed that the physical and mental state of an individual at the time of smoking will strongly influence the extent to which the nicotine in the cigarette will affect the psychological perceptions of that individual. Nicotine is known to become addictive as it triggers the release of a chemical in the brain that is typically associated with stimulating the pleasure sensation and this chemical is known as dopamine. However nicotine addiction over a long period of time is also known to gradually result in minimizing the ability of the brain to experience pleasure.

Some of the symptoms of nicotine addiction are:

• Inability to quit smoking in spite of having made more than one serious attempt to do so.
• The individual who has a nicotine addiction may also continue to smoke in spite of having developed serious issues with their heart or lungs.
• Individuals suffering from nicotine addiction may also experience symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, depression, increased hunger, anger, frustration, diarrhea, strong cravings and so on as withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop smoking.
• Individuals suffering from a strong case of nicotine addiction will also gradually minimize recreational and social activities if they hamper with their ability to smoke.

Treatment:

One of the effective treatments for nicotine addiction is nicotine replacement therapy which provides the individual with their nicotine requirement without the other harmful chemicals that are found in tobacco. Nicotine replacement therapy includes option such as:

• The nicotine patch: The nicotine patch is effective in dealing with nicotine addiction as it tends to deliver nicotine directly into the bloodstream of the person through the skin. The nicotine patch treatment period is usually known to last for almost eight weeks or even longer in some cases.
• Nicotine gum is also part of the nicotine addiction treatment which provides the nicotine to the individual through the lining of the mouth.
• Besides nicotine replacement therapy for nicotine addiction treatment, the doctor may also recommend certain medications for the individual to deal with nicotine dependence. For best results it is always recommended to use a combination of medications as well as a nicotine patch or chewing gum, lozenge, inhaler or a nasal spray.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.