The reasons for this dependence can be traced to nicotine and its effects on the body, both in the addiction process and the withdrawal symptoms that occur during smoking cessation. About half of all relapses in former smokers or those who are trying to quit are characterized by anxiety, which can cause anger, frustration, and depression. Research has shown that these emotions often occupy a smoker's cognitive workspace, making it difficult to make healthy decisions when confronted with the urge to smoke. Smoker's who use a combination of nicotine substitutes (i.e.: nicotine gum, nasal spray, the patch, etc.) and anxiety relief medication (i.e.: Zyban or Zoloft) during smoking cessation will have reduced daily anxiety, reduced daily cravings, and will lead to an increase in the success rate of staying smoke free.
In the body, nicotine interacts with central nervous system receptors consisting of various combinations of alpha and beta proteins. This facilitates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, glutamate, and serotonin. The dependence produced is similar to that of opiates and cocaine (Johnson, Rose & Westman, 1999). Pharmacologically, the nicotine produces feelings of pleasure, arousal, and relaxation, amd may improve attention and reaction time in addicted individuals. Also, the use of nicotine reduces anxiety and stress, relieves hunger, and prevents weight gain (Hunter et al., 1994). The negative effects of the drug include increased blood pressure, heart rate, coronary vasoconstriction, and the production of carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the delivery of oxygen in the body (Ferry, Joseph, Norman, & Prochazka, 1996).
Not only does nicotine effect the body biologically, but it has serious psychoactive effects as well. These psychoactive effects cause the smoker's behavior to be reinforced, both positively and negatively. The positive reinforcement (which causes the smoker to want to smoke) involves the stimulation of the nicotine receptors, which promotes higher rates of self-administration of the drug.
