Anybody have some (preferably non-anecdotal) information on how much time at what kind of dosage it takes to develop physical dependance on nicotine? Also, what are some of the negative effects of nicotine prominent with infrequent, short term use?
A cursory glance over google and the wikipedia page yielded inconclusive results.
Why?
I work security and most nights I take a walk on the roof to wake myself up a bit and stretch my legs, and I always think “man I wish I had a cigarette right now” though I’m not a smoker. I gave in and bummed one from a friend the other day and it was nice, but I know smoking’s a bad habit to pick up. As a result, I’ve been thinking about getting an inexpensive e-cig for the occasional midnight roof walk. I also know that e-cigs are very new and there haven’t been long term studies done on their health effects, so I’m taking that into account. I’m not very worried about addiction as I have a fairly powerful strength of will and lack an addictive personality.
I’m open to all thoughts and potential criticisms.
Nicotine is very bad for your heart. You can buy caffeine bills at any pharmacy. I also work nights, sometimes I take a caffeine pill with a diet Mt. Dew and it wakes me up pretty well. Also not nearly as addictive or expensive.
I found some information regarding the amount of nicotine that leads to physical dependence as well as the amount of nicotine delivered via electronic cigarettes.
This policy recommendation from the World Health Organization discusses the nicotine levels in nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) vs. the average smoker’s nicotine intake. NRTs are used to reduce and eventually eliminate a person’s nicotine dependence. The discussion in the “Acute dosing” section seems especially relevant:
The World Health Organization is a well-known international body comprised of medical and public health specialists who “direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations’ system”, so I trust that this information is reliable.
This article from Tobacco Control studies the levels of nicotine delivered via electronic cigarettes:
Tobacco Control is an international, peer-reviewed health journal, so I trust that this information is reliable.
Finally, this abstract from Psychopharmacology studies smokers who did not develop a physical dependence to nicotine:
To access the full article, you need a subscription. Your local library may have a subscription to this journal or can help you obtain access.
Psychopharmacology is a peer-reviewed medical journal focusing on the mechanisms by which drugs affect behavior, so I trust that this information is reliable.
I hope these resources are helpful to you and others concerned with a physical dependence on nicotine.
–Valerie Florez
Librarian
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