Nicotine

On this page, you will find information on the harms of nicotine-containing products and guidance on how to quit the addiction.

Learn more about:

Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound derived from the tobacco plant. Nicotine and the associated tobacco products can have seriously harmful effects on short-term and long-term physical and mental health.

Negative Effects of Nicotine

  • Increased heart rate
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases with long term use
  • Death if ingested or absorbed in high amounts 
  • Harm to the developing connections in your brain 
  • Dependence and addiction, meaning you suffer withdrawal symptoms if you don’t have it

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms 

  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of anxiety/depression
  • Trouble with sleep
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Cravings for more nicotine

These symptoms can effect your academics, athletics, social life and more.

Products Containing Nicotine

Cigarettes

Tobacco smoke is made up of thousands of chemicals, including at least 70 known to cause cancer. Some of these compounds include lead, arsenic, ammonia, formaldehyde and even radioactive elements.

Vapes/E-Cigs

The flavoring compounds in vape liquids contain volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea, and can damage the liver, kidney and nervous system.

Chewing Tobacco

Cancers linked to chewing tobacco include mouth, jaw, tongue, esophageal and pancreatic.

Concerns about Dependence

This 6-item self-assessment (Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence) can help determine your nicotine dependence, the higher of which are associated with withdrawal symptoms. The scores also have implications for treatment and support in quitting smoking. 

You can also talk to a medical provider and review your score.

UHS Services and Support

Provider visits

UHS medical providers can help you prepare to quit, guide you in a step-by-step process and prescribe medications if needed. 

Vaccines

It is recommended that all students who smoke or vape get a pneumonia vaccine, even if you have quit. It can take several years after quitting for the risk of pneumonia to decrease back to that of a nonsmoker. Vaccinations are available at UHS.

Insurance

On the Student Health Plan (SHP) insurance, nicotine replacement treatments are covered.

Support with Quitting

quitSTART App: Help managing emotions, dealing with cravings, and more

Smokefree.gov: Information, quit builder plan and guide through your quitting process

Resources

Online Resources

Truth Initiative

Tobacco (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Campus Resources

Medical Services 

Environmental Health and Safety