{"id":113,"date":"2026-01-16T17:03:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T22:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/?page_id=113"},"modified":"2026-03-23T09:54:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T13:54:20","slug":"nicotine-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/alcohol-other-drugs\/nicotine-information\/","title":{"rendered":"Nicotine Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-custom-content-position is-position-center-left\" style=\"min-height:202px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6180 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Smokey-Gray-Mountains.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 65%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 65%\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\"><h1 style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);margin-right:0;margin-left:0\" class=\"has-text-align-left has-link-color wp-elements-2669c25cd1f06430b4b85ebffeced485 wp-block-post-title has-text-color has-white-color\">Nicotine Information<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignfull has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide utkwds-in-page-navigation is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-no-disc utkwds-in-page-navigation-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#nicotine\" id=\"#nicotine\">What is Nicotine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#myths\" id=\"#myths\">Myths vs Facts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#effects\" id=\"#effects\">Effects on the Brain &amp; Body<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#dependence\" id=\"#dependence\">Signs of Nicotine Dependence<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#resources\" id=\"#resources\">Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nicotine is available in many different forms, all with varying degrees of health impacts.&nbsp;While nicotine use may be common, understanding how it affects your body and brain can help you make informed choices and know when to seek support to reduce or&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;your risk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nicotine\">What&nbsp;is&nbsp;Nicotine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco products, as well as many tobacco-free products, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cigarettes&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vapes\/e-cigarettes&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hookah&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nicotine pouches&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cigars&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smokeless tobacco<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many vape products&nbsp;contain<strong>&nbsp;more nicotine than&nbsp;you might realize,&nbsp;<\/strong>and addiction can happen<strong>&nbsp;quickly.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"myths\">Nicotine Myths vs Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common misconception is that nicotine&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;harmful\u2014only tobacco&nbsp;is harmful to human health.&nbsp;Even when nicotine is&nbsp;not&nbsp;paired with the same chemicals found in tobacco products, it can still have harmful effects.&nbsp;Here are some myth busters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong>&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;just flavored vapor, not cigarettes or dip.&nbsp;<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong>&nbsp;Most vapes&nbsp;contain&nbsp;nicotine and other chemicals that can affect lungs and heart.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong>&nbsp;I only use&nbsp;nicotine&nbsp;socially.&nbsp;<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong>&nbsp;Even occasional use can lead to dependence because nicotine changes how the brain responds to rewards and stress.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong>&nbsp;It helps my anxiety.&nbsp;<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong>&nbsp;Nicotine may feel calming&nbsp;in&nbsp;the moment, but it often increases overall anxiety and stress levels over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"effects\">Why Does&nbsp;Using Nicotine Matter? The Effects on the Brain &amp; Body<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brain&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shortens attention span and limits memory&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can increase anxiety and irritability over time&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often used to relieve stress&nbsp;but can&nbsp;make&nbsp;stress worse&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Withdrawal symptoms like&nbsp;cravings, irritability, and brain fog&nbsp;can negatively&nbsp;impact&nbsp;course performance and testing ability&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Raises heart rate and blood pressure&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Affects lung health (especially with vaping aerosols)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long term use of nicotine breaks down the spinal cord and can lead to back issues later in life&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dependence\">Signs You Might be Dependent on Nicotine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You feel strong cravings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You get irritable, anxious, or restless when you&nbsp;haven\u2019t&nbsp;had it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You feel like you&nbsp;need&nbsp;it after&nbsp;you\u2019ve&nbsp;eaten, drank, or experienced a stress trigger.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ve&nbsp;tried to cut back and&nbsp;couldn\u2019t.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Cut Back or Quit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delay the urge (wait 10 minutes, then 30 minutes the next time, add more time as you go).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify&nbsp;stress triggers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace the habit (gum, walking, water, fidget).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t&nbsp;try to quit&nbsp;alone\u2014support increases success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"resources\">Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Knox County Health Department:<\/strong>\u202fKCHD has trained tobacco prevention specialists dedicated to providing support and resources, regardless of where you are&nbsp;at in&nbsp;your quit journey.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.knoxcounty.org\/health\/tobacco\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.knoxcounty.org\/health\/tobacco\/index.php<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tennessee Tobacco&nbsp;QuitLine:<\/strong>&nbsp;provides telephone and online coaching, as well as free nicotine replacement therapy for those who qualify. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tnquitline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.tnquitline.org<\/a>\u202f| Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) | Text TN 2 Quit by texting &#8220;QUIT&#8221; to 615-795-0600.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smokefree.gov Quit Vaping Resources:<\/strong>&nbsp;provides resources to help manage triggers and cravings, handle vape addiction and&nbsp;withdrawal, and&nbsp;make your quit day a success.&nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/smokefree.gov\/quit-vaping-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/smokefree.gov\/quit-vaping-resources<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sources\">Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>American Lung Association. (n.d.).&nbsp;<em>Nicotine<\/em>. Retrieved January 2026, from American Lung Association website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/smoking-facts\/health-effects\/nicotine?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/smoking-facts\/health-effects\/nicotine<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>American Lung Association. (n.d.).&nbsp;<em>What You Need to Know About&nbsp;Vaping<\/em>.&nbsp;Retrieved January 2026, from American Lung Association website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/helping-teens-quit\/talk-about-vaping\/vaping-facts?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/helping-teens-quit\/talk-about-vaping\/vaping-facts<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025).&nbsp;<em>Health Effects of Vaping<\/em>. Retrieved January 2026, from CDC website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/e-cigarettes\/health-effects.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/e-cigarettes\/health-effects.html<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024).&nbsp;<em>Youth and Tobacco Use<\/em>. Retrieved January 2026, from CDC website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/php\/data-statistics\/youth-data-tobacco\/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/php\/data-statistics\/youth-data-tobacco\/index.html<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.).&nbsp;<em>Sound the Alarm: Youth Vaping Can Harm<\/em>. Retrieved January 2026, from HHS.gov website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/surgeongeneral\/reports-and-publications\/youth-vaping\/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/surgeongeneral\/reports-and-publications\/youth-vaping\/index.html<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (n.d.).&nbsp;<em>Impact of nicotine and benefits of quitting<\/em>. Retrieved January 2026, from Mass.gov website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/impact-of-nicotine-and-benefits-of-quitting?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/impact-of-nicotine-and-benefits-of-quitting<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connecticut Department of Public Health. (2022).&nbsp;<em>Nicotine Health Risks<\/em>&nbsp;[Fact sheet]. Retrieved January 2026, from Connecticut Department of Public Health website:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/-\/media\/departments-and-agencies\/dph\/dph\/hems\/tobacco\/pdf\/fact-sheets-and-resources-2023\/fact-sheet-nicotine.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/-\/media\/departments-and-agencies\/dph\/dph\/hems\/tobacco\/pdf\/fact-sheets-and-resources-2023\/fact-sheet-nicotine.pdf<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.).&nbsp;<em>Find Help Quitting Tobacco, E-cigarettes, and Vaping<\/em>. Retrieved January 2026, from SAMHSA.gov:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/substance-use\/learn\/tobacco-vaping?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/substance-use\/learn\/tobacco-vaping<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nicotine is available in many different forms, all with varying degrees of health impacts.&nbsp;While nicotine use may be common, understanding how it affects your body and brain can help you make informed choices and know when to seek support to reduce or&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;your risk.&nbsp; What&nbsp;is&nbsp;Nicotine Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco products, as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":19,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"no-title","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-113","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=113"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/113\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}