While the harmful effects of tobacco use are common knowledge, people continue using it, due to the addictive additive nicotine. Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Since 1865 tobacco companies have been supplying people with their nicotine fix. All tobacco products contain nicotine, but tobacco isn’t the only way for people to get their nicotine any more. Various alternatives are now on the market for those looking to kick their tobacco habits. While these new alternatives lack the harmful additive chemicals found in tobacco products. They continue to contain nicotine, an addictive and harmful drug. A drug that has far more negative effects on the brain then commonly known. Especially on the developing minds of adolescents,
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During adolescence one area of the brain is rapidly developing. The prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls decision making and attention performance. The prefrontal cortex is also one of the last areas of the brain to rapidly develop during adolescence. Nicotine use in adolescents negatively impacts cognitive function due to its effect on the prefrontal cortex. In cases of extended nicotine exposure the Metabotropic glutamate receptor activity is greatly reduced. Metabotropic glutamate receptors are the receptors responsible for mediating synaptic activity, meaning they mitigate the extent of our thoughts and functions. Thus, being the receptor that controls our attention and focus. …show more content…
Addiction is a mental health issue and with it comes many negative effects. Such as depression and irritability two effects that are not only harmful to adolescents but harmful for people of any age. To further examine nicotine’s relation to depression the university of California did a longitudinal survey on smoking and nonsmoking adolescents. The study surveyed the two groups and asked participants to report levels of depression within the last year. The survey included 6863 adolescent participants from the age of twelve to eighteen. Fifth teen point three percent of females indicated development of notable levels of depression. While eight-point 1 percent of males indicated developments of notable depression. While other factors may have played a role in the results it was found that smoking status was the largest factor in the development of depression (Gourionova). While most people claim that depression is a cause of smoking, this study helps us at least come to the conclusion that nicotine may have a clear bi directional effect. Yet another effect of addiction and stemming off depression we come to the symptom of
During adolescence one area of the brain is rapidly developing. The prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls decision making and attention performance. The prefrontal cortex is also one of the last areas of the brain to rapidly develop during adolescence. Nicotine use in adolescents negatively impacts cognitive function due to its effect on the prefrontal cortex. In cases of extended nicotine exposure the Metabotropic glutamate receptor activity is greatly reduced. Metabotropic glutamate receptors are the receptors responsible for mediating synaptic activity, meaning they mitigate the extent of our thoughts and functions. Thus, being the receptor that controls our attention and focus. …show more content…
Addiction is a mental health issue and with it comes many negative effects. Such as depression and irritability two effects that are not only harmful to adolescents but harmful for people of any age. To further examine nicotine’s relation to depression the university of California did a longitudinal survey on smoking and nonsmoking adolescents. The study surveyed the two groups and asked participants to report levels of depression within the last year. The survey included 6863 adolescent participants from the age of twelve to eighteen. Fifth teen point three percent of females indicated development of notable levels of depression. While eight-point 1 percent of males indicated developments of notable depression. While other factors may have played a role in the results it was found that smoking status was the largest factor in the development of depression (Gourionova). While most people claim that depression is a cause of smoking, this study helps us at least come to the conclusion that nicotine may have a clear bi directional effect. Yet another effect of addiction and stemming off depression we come to the symptom of