Nicotine and Tobacco Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts in the history, pharmacology, effects, and social implications of nicotine and tobacco use.

What role did tobacco play for Indigenous peoples in North America?

Tobacco had important cultural significance and was used for ceremonial reasons.

How was tobacco introduced to Europe?

Tobacco was introduced by early settlers for medicinal uses.

What decades saw an increase in the commercialization and tobacco industry growth?

1800s to mid-1900s.

What public health measures were implemented in Canada regarding tobacco use?

Advertising bans, sales display bans, packaging restrictions, and warning labels.

What is 'psychological reactance' in the context of warning labels?

It refers to the resistance individuals show when their freedom is threatened by messages.

How is nicotine primarily absorbed in the body?

Typically through inhalation during smoking or vaping.

Where is nicotine metabolized in the body?

In the liver.

What is the half-life of nicotine?

Approximately 2 hours.

What does the nicotine patch do?

Provides extended relief from withdrawal by releasing nicotine transdermally.

What is the primary action of nicotine in the brain?

It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to increased dopamine release.

What are some immediate effects of nicotine intoxication?

Pleasure, arousal, increased attention, and appetite suppression.

What withdrawal symptoms do regular smokers experience?

Anxiety, irritability, depression, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

How long does withdrawal last for daily smokers who quit?

2-4 weeks, with the worst symptoms in the first week.

What pharmacological interaction is associated with heavy users of other drugs?

They may have increased nicotine dependence due to interactions that enhance nicotine's effects.

What personality trait is strongly correlated with nicotine use?

Impulsivity.

What is the role of classical conditioning in nicotine dependence?

Smoking cues lead to cravings and reinforce smoking behavior.

How does social learning influence smoking behavior?

Observational learning from parents and peers contributes to the likelihood of smoking.

What is the leading cause of preventable death related to tobacco use?

Smoking causes approximately 7 million deaths per year.

What percentage of lung cancer cases occur among smokers?

85%.

What mental health issues are linked with tobacco use?

Depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

How does family conflict relate to tobacco use?

Tobacco use can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, causing family conflicts.

What type of effects do heavy smokers experience from withdrawal?

More intense psychoactive effects and various negative health outcomes.

What societal influences glamorize smoking?

Movies and advertising.

What is Tobacco Use Disorder?

A condition where individuals develop physical and psychological dependence on tobacco.

Why are warning labels important in tobacco use prevention?

They make negative consequences of smoking more salient and immediate to the user.