It is interesting to hear how folks started the habit.
Many did start while in the military. they said cigs came in their rations, those that smoked got "smoke breaks" those that did not got a chore like cleaning the latrine. Lots of folks said they chose to smoke so they too could take a break.
I don't think most people understand just how addictive it is, yet in itself not a terribly dangerous substance.
Within 30 seconds of inhaling nicotine (takes a little longer for people that dip) the nicotine travels through the blood stream and stimulation of central nAChRs by nicotine results in the release of a variety of neurotransmitters in the brain, most importantly dopamine. Nicotine causes the release of dopamine in the mesolimbic area, the corpus striatum, and the frontal cortex.
Dopamine causes a feeling of calmness, at ease, happiness etc. So I get WHY people smoke and I also understand why those that have stopped for MANY years can start right back up in response to a very stressful life situation.
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