Effects of Nicotine on Brain Chemistry

Everyone is aware of the health risks associated with smoking, but too few have been able to stop the use of the drug. As with any drug which supplants normal brain chemistry nicotine has multiple effects on the brain which make it very uncomfortable to "just stop".
The first thing nicotine does in the brain is excite the release of norepinephrine, the chemical which gives you "energy" and "alertness". The next thing nicotine does is directly fills and activates certain receptors which make it possible to concentrate and plan. Next, the chemical known as "acetaldehyde", which is generated by the burning paper, combines with dopamine in the brain and produces another compound which fills and activates the receptors which provide a sense of calm. As the external drug, nicotine, is used for these activities the brain begins to reduce production of the natural chemistries needed for the same purposes.
As a result when the person attempts to just "quit" he or she is left with a serious depleted neurochemcial state and the result is they have little energy, can't think or plan very well and are extremely nervous. Unless the normal chemistry needed is available in adequate levels the person typically returns to the use of the drug to aid the