Nicotine is the main addictive substance that is present in both traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes. When inhaled it is delivered to the brain in 10-20 seconds. Once nicotine reaches the brain, it causes a release of dopamine in the same regions of the brain as other addictive drugs and substances, which gives nicotine an addictive power comparable to that of alcohol, cocaine, and some opioids such as heroin. (8)

As well as being addictive, nicotine is one of the most toxic poisons that people can put into their bodies. Despite nicotine being well known as a harmful carcinogen, it can also attack almost all other organs in the human body, the most severe of which being the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system. (9)

Smoking addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition causing many people to require multiple attempts to quit for good. Nicotine replacement therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy have been offered to help combat the addiction, However, over the last few years vaping has become one of the most important and successful treatment regimes, shown to be more effective than using nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and gums. (10)

Once an individual has successfully stopped smoking and overcome their nicotine dependence, the health benefits they can experience include reduced risk of cancer, heart attacks and heart disease, stroke, and reduced blood pressure. It has been shown that 20 years after smoking cessation, an individual’s risk of developing oral cancer drops to that of someone who has never smoked. (11)

As well as this, children of parents who stop smoking are less likely to take up smoking themselves. Studies looking into the causes of nicotine addiction show that children who have regular contact with people who smoke, such as parents, guardians, or friends are more likely to smoke themselves. As a result, reducing the number of people who smoke and vape can drastically lower the number of children and teenagers who start smoking and vaping themselves. (12)

Smoking also has an economic effect on people who smoke. The most recent tobacco tax increase in December 2023 has caused the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes to rise to £15.67, more than double what it would have cost in 2012, meaning that someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day would spend £5,719.55 in a year. This would cover the cost of the average energy bill for a three bedroom house for two years. The average take home pay in the UK according to the Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings in 2023 is £27,573 per year, meaning that a person who smokes 20 cigarettes a day spends 20p of every pound they earn on cigarettes.