Final answer:
Nicotine withdrawal can lead to symptoms such as cravings, headaches, irritability, and anxiety. These indicate the addictive nature of nicotine, and methods like nicotine replacement therapy are used to mitigate these symptoms, though with varied long-term success.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abrupt withdrawal of nicotine from the body after chronic use can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms typically include an intense craving for nicotine, along with headaches, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, increased hunger, difficulty concentrating, and a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. These effects, while less severe than those associated with some other drugs, indicate the substantial addictive power of nicotine.
One method used to combat nicotine addiction is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This includes products like nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. However, it is important to note that many people still return to smoking even after using NRT.
Nicotine's addictive properties are linked to its action on acetylcholine receptors in the brain, enhancing the activity of neurons in the reward system. While nicotine itself is less dangerous than tobacco smoke, its cardiovascular effects remain concerning. Consequently, the development of effective smoking cessation programs is of significant health interest.