Nicotine is an addictive stimulant found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Our research found that nicotine takes a few seconds to travel from the lungs to the brain. Nicotine is also what makes cigarette smoking a difficult habit to quit.
This guide looks at how much nicotine one cigarette has in it. We will also highlight the side effects of nicotine.
How Much Nicotine is There in One Cigarette?
The nicotine content varies depending on the cigarette or vape brand. Most cigarette brands have between 6 and 28 mg of nicotine. However, you don’t breathe in all the nicotine when smoking. Research shows that the nicotine you inhale when smoking could be less than 1.5mg. So, if you smoke ten sticks daily, you will have around 11mg of nicotine in your body.
As mentioned, nicotine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and only takes a few seconds to reach the brain. This is the sole reason that makes smoking a brutal vice to quit.
How Nicotine Affects Your Brain
Now that you know how many ml of nicotine is in one cigarette, it is time we highlight its significant side effects. Here, you need first to understand how the human brain works. The human brain relies on neurotransmitters to relay messages to various body parts via the nerves.
Nicotine has a similar chemical structure to that of some neurotransmitters. When you smoke, nicotine makes your brain hyperactive, making you feel more thrilled and energised. With time, your brain reduces the number of neurotransmitters released to balance out the influx from nicotine.
Another thing you also need to know is that nicotine has a dopamine effect. Every time you smoke or vape, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good hormone that makes you happy. In a nutshell, nicotine messes up your brain’s chemical composition.
Side Effects of Nicotine
It is straightforward to get hooked on nicotine products—besides, most people who get addicted struggle with quitting using it for good. The side effects depend hugely on how many mg of nicotine in a cigarette pack you inhale daily.
Smoking cigarettes is quite harmful, and many people with an addiction often switch to non-smoking nicotine products such as vapes, gums, and patches. One of the significant side effects of nicotine use is high blood pressure caused by narrowing your blood vessels.
Nicotine can also cause vision and hearing loss due to inadequate blood flow to your eyes and ears. Pregnant women can also have a miscarriage due to the death of the unborn.
Bottom Line
Nicotine is addictive; most brands use high concentrations to make potent cigarettes. Recently, some companies have been sued for not disclosing the nicotine in their products.
Cigarettes also contain other chemicals that are pretty harmful to your body. On the other hand, vape pens or e-cigarettes are safer than cigarettes. Research shows that e-cigs can be effective in helping you quit cigarette smoking for good.
