Nicotine Addiction: Challenges and Recommendations

Garr, Dominique

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Nicotine Addiction: Challenges and Recommendations Public Deposited

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Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/w95051844

Abstract

This review is a synthesis of current knowledge based on tobacco and nicotine research.
Special emphasis is placed on adolescents, who are highly sensitive to addiction, as targets of
nicotine companies. Types of nicotine use are described briefly, as well as the broad impact of
cigarettes and E-cigarettes on American society. Then, the history of tobacco companies, their
advertising campaigns specifically geared towards youth, and their increasingly addictive and
problematic products are summarized. Next, biological impacts of smoking nicotine products on
the lungs, the brain, and the microbiome and immune system are described with attention to
common nicotine-associated pathways and mechanisms. A brief summary is given of the
complex effects of pure nicotine (rather than smoking). Moreover, treatments that aid in smoking
cessation are described, along with their limitations and barriers that prevent nicotine addicts
from quitting. This insight is used to formulate recommendations for future research, specifically
into smoking by adolescents as well as into empathetic and holistic approaches that can also
inform public attitudes and policy making as well as early prevention. Concerning preventive
approaches, I recommend an approach to education of youth that focuses on building
emotion-regulation skills for improved coping mechanisms and life skills as opposed to scare
tactics to discourage drug use. In summary, a comprehensive approach, integrating multiple
perspectives and factors, has the potential to have positive impacts on the life and health of
individuals, their communities, and society at large.

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