Tobacco & nicotine

What is tobacco?

Tobacco is a plant that has high levels of the addictive chemical nicotine. The leaves are processed to create a range of products that can be smoked, used inside the gum, or snorted. Tobacco products contain many cancer-causing chemicals, and tobacco use and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke are linked to many types of cancer and other diseases.

What is nicotine?

Nicotine is a chemical that naturally occurs in the tobacco plant and is added to many vaping products. It acts as a stimulant and affects your central nervous system. Common sources of nicotine include:

• Tobacco products: cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff

• Oral nicotine pouches like Zyn and Velo

• E-cigarettes (“vapes,” “vape pens”) and pod systems (like JUUL)

Nicotine – from ANY source – is highly addictive and can lead to dependency, making it hard to stop using once you’ve started. It’s important to understand how nicotine impacts your body and brain.

Tobacco's path to you | Safer Sacramento Youth
Risks and long-term effects of nicotine | Safer Sacramento Youth

Most teens and young adults cite curiosity, boredom, and “feeling stressed, depressed, and anxious” as the most common reasons for vaping or smoking tobacco. Use of nicotine products is higher among Black youth, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and other populations reporting psychological distress.

Short-term

effects and risks

of nicotine

Using nicotine can have immediate effects:

• Increased heart rate

• Elevated blood pressure

• Dizziness

• Temporary sense of relaxation or stress relief

• Withdrawal symptoms: cravings, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, increased appetite, feeling anxious or depressed, difficulty concentrating

• Irritation to the mouth, throat, and lungs

Long-term

effects of

nicotine use

Nicotine’s ability to create dependency means that even occasional use can lead to regular habits, especially for teens and young adults whose brains are still developing.

Continued nicotine use can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Dependency (addiction)

• Withdrawal

• Brain development – for teens and young adults, nicotine can interfere with memory, learning, and attention

• Respiratory issues

• Lung disease

• Increased risk of cancer

• Heart disease

• Increased risk of other substance use

Vaping products may also expose users to harmful chemicals and heavy metals, though long-term effects are still being studied.

Harm reduction

Whether you’re currently using nicotine or want to help someone else, here are steps to reduce harm:

  • The longer you delay trying or using these products, the better for your health. Nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke tobacco first tried smoking before the age of 18.

  • Reducing how often you use can minimize harm.

  • Take a “tolerance break” to see what changes in attention, cravings, and motivation you notice.

  • Sharing vaping devices can spread germs and infections.

Seeking help

  • Share your concerns with a friend, family member, or school counselor.

  • Visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free guidance.

  • Groups like Nicotine Anonymous provide community and encouragement.

Helping a friend? Be patient and nonjudgmental. Offer resources and remind them they’re not alone.

The bottom line

Nicotine is a powerful and addictive substance that poses risks to your health and well-being. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions and support others in doing the same. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to seek help, reduce use, or quit entirely. Your health matters, and you have the power to make positive changes.

Get help