Final answer:
Individuals might use nicotine for its stimulating and relaxing effects, but it is highly addictive with significant withdrawal symptoms and health risks, including heart and lung diseases. Nicotine replacement therapies are available but have high relapse rates, and vaping poses serious health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance primarily consumed through tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. The reason someone might use nicotine includes its stimulating and relaxing effects due to its interaction with acetylcholine receptors in the brain, influencing the central nervous system. Despite nicotine replacement therapies like gum, lozenges, and patches that are used in smoking cessation, many individuals find it challenging to quit, with a high relapse rate within a year. Nicotine addiction can cause withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, and anxiety, which drive continued use. Vaping, which has gained popularity, especially among teens and young adults, delivers nicotine through e-cigarettes. Although seen initially as safer than smoking, vaping is now linked to serious lung diseases and other health risks. It's essential to weigh these health implications against the temporary relief nicotine might provide.