Nicotine Basics
What type of drug is nicotine?
An addictive drug (and a stimulant).
Name one possible short-term effect of nicotine.
Increased heart rate or blood pressure; nausea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, or changes in attention/mood.
What do we call the aerosol from an e-cigarette?
Aerosol—not simply harmless water vapor.
What brain process helps reinforce nicotine use?
Nicotine activates reward pathways involving dopamine.
Give a short response to someone offering you a vape.
Examples: “No thanks. I’m good” or “I don’t want to get hooked.”
Name one thing nicotine can temporarily increase.
Heart rate or blood pressure; it can also affect alertness.
What are two withdrawal symptoms from the lesson?
Examples: headache, irritability, nausea, shaking, anxiety, depression/low mood, cravings, trouble focusing or sleeping.
Where is a nicotine pouch placed?
Between the lip and gum.
What is a trigger?
A routine, place, person, or emotion that can cue a craving.
Name one trusted adult or school support who can help.
Teacher, school nurse, counselor, coach, or trusted adult.
What reward-pathway chemical is mentioned in the lesson?
Dopamine.
How can nicotine affect attention or learning during adolescence?
It may affect attention, impulse control, learning, or memory.
Name one form of smokeless tobacco.
Chew/plug, dip, snus, or snuff.
What can happen when a person stops using nicotine after repeated use?
Cravings and withdrawal symptoms can occur.
What can someone do if they feel pressured to use nicotine?
Change the subject, suggest another activity, text a trusted person, or leave.
What does tolerance mean?
Needing more nicotine to get a similar effect.
What is one serious health risk associated with smoking?
Cancer, COPD, emphysema, chronic breathing problems, heart disease, stroke, circulation problems, or increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Why doesn’t water make hookah smoke safe?
Water does not remove the major health risks; combustible tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals.
Name one strategy that may help when a craving hits.
Delay, distract, breathe, move, or reach out to someone supportive.
Name one kind of support that can help someone quit.
Clinician, counseling, quitline, or approved nicotine-replacement medicines used as directed.
Into what age range does the brain continue developing?
Into the mid-20s.
Why can secondhand smoke be harmful?
It exposes others to harmful smoke and increases health risks, including for children and pets.
What important difference does the lesson note about nicotine pouches?
Many contain no tobacco leaf but still deliver addictive nicotine; long-term product-specific evidence is still developing.
Why is addiction more than just a habit?
It can involve brain reward changes, physical withdrawal, and learned routines/triggers.
What U.S. phone number does the lesson list for free quit support?
1-800-QUIT-NOW.