Why It's So Hard To Quit

Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in tobacco. Areas of the brain that are sensitive to nicotine are called receptors. When they are deprived of nicotine, cravings and withdrawal symptoms begin. 

New research shows that nicotine actually creates additional receptors in the brains of tobacco users. Simply put, the more receptors, the higher intensity of addiction.

Nicotine also stimulates the release of other chemicals in the brain that can increase pleasure, arousal, brain function, and memory while decreasing appetite, anxiety, and tension.