16. SECOND HAND
SMOKE
• Why does this matter? Because
secondhand smoke comes with
some of the same risks as
smoking:
• Exposure to harmful
chemicals.
• Increased risk for lung cancer.
• Higher risk for obesity and
type 2 diabetes.
18. • Nicotine mimics the structure of a neurotransmitter
called acetylcholine, which activates the release of
another neurotransmitter called dopamine.
• Dopamine is also called the pleasure molecule,
which mediates the activation of the reward centre
of the brain and gives you the sensation of pleasure.
•
• Nicotine may cause 2-10 times more dopamine
release in the reward centre than natural reward
cascades do.
• The brain reacts by downregulating the dopamine
receptors. You need the receptors to sense the
dopamine and execute its action of creating the
pleasure you desire.
34. • Nicotine is the main
addictive chemical in
tobacco. It causes a rush of
adrenaline when absorbed
in the bloodstream or
inhaled via cigarette
smoke.
35.
36.
37. • Nicotine also triggers an
increase in dopamine. This is
sometimes referred to as the
brain’s “happy” chemical.
• Dopamine stimulates the area
of the brain associated with
pleasure and reward. Like any
other drug, use of tobacco
over time can cause a physical
and psychological addiction.
This is also true for smokeless
forms of tobacco, such as snuff
and chewing tobacco.
