The Surprising Truth about Nicotine

When I first heard that nicotine might not be addictive, I was completely shocked. Like many, I associated nicotine strictly with smoking and addiction. But new research is turning this belief on its head. Nicotine itself isn’t inherently addictive and actually offers a range of surprising health benefits. In this blog post, I’ll share the eye-opening findings supported by scientific studies.

Debunking the Myth: Nicotine is Not Addictive

Understanding Nicotine Dependence

Most of us have been led to believe that nicotine is highly addictive. I certainly did. I’m not a smoker, and I used to think nicotine was something to be avoided at all costs. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the truth: it’s not the nicotine itself that causes addiction, but the other chemicals in tobacco products. These additional chemicals are the true culprits behind tobacco addiction.

Studies on Nicotine Addiction

Several studies have shown that nicotine, when used alone (e.g., in patches or gum), does not cause the same addiction as smoking. Research published in the journal Addiction shows that pure nicotine does not cause the high dependence seen in tobacco smokers. For example, a study by Dar and Frenk showed that nicotine, when delivered without the other chemicals, did not cause addiction in rats or humans.

A study at Vanderbilt University discovered that nicotine could be administered without causing addiction. This research on nicotine for cognitive enhancement in older adults did not show signs of addiction. Similarly, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine concluded that the risk of addiction to nicotine replacement therapies is very low, supporting the idea that nicotine alone does not drive addiction.

Further support came from a comprehensive review showing that nicotine alone, without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco products, does not have the same addictive properties. Remarkably, in testimonies before Congress, five tobacco CEOs admitted that nicotine itself is not addictive.

The Role of Pyrazines in Tobacco Addiction

In the 1970s, cigarette companies faced a dilemma with their “light” cigarettes—they weren’t keeping people hooked. To solve this, they started adding chemicals like pyrazines to all their products. Pyrazines work by enhancing the sensory experience of smoking, making it more pleasurable and extremely hard to quit.

Research shows that pyrazines make smoking very addictive. A study in the Journal of Neuroscience found that when pyrazines are combined with nicotine, they significantly boost dopamine release in the brain—a key player in addiction. This makes pyrazines a major reason why cigarettes are so addictive.

Other studies further support this finding. Research in Tobacco Control demonstrated that pyrazines enhance the “impact” and “flavor” of cigarette smoke, making it more appealing and increasing dependence. Additionally, a study published in Addiction Biology found that pyrazines in tobacco smoke enhance the reinforcing properties of nicotine, leading to stronger cravings and higher addiction potential.

The addition of pyrazines to cigarettes played a significant role in making smoking addictive, contributing to the difficulty smokers face when trying to quit.

Nicotine: You’re Already Taking It

Contrary to popular belief, nicotine itself is not addictive. People consume nicotine regularly through everyday foods without experiencing addiction.

Foods Containing Nicotine

Scientists agree that nicotine, when not mixed with other harmful chemicals, is not addictive. Pyrazines and other additives in cigarettes are key contributors to tobacco addiction. These findings are critical. They will reshape our understanding of nicotine and help us explore its benefits.

Brain Function

Cognitive Enhancement

Nicotine has been found to enhance cognitive functions such as attention, learning, and memory. It works by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine, which are crucial for neural communication. A study published in Psychopharmacology found that nicotine improved attention and working memory in both smokers and non-smokers.

A review in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews highlighted nicotine’s potential to improve thinking, especially for tasks requiring sustained attention and rapid information processing. This boost is due to nicotine activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are key to cognitive processing.

Memory Improvement

Nicotine can improve both short-term and long-term memory. Studies demonstrate that nicotine enhances synaptic plasticity, which is essential for memory formation and retention. A study in Neuropsychopharmacology found that nicotine improved memory in both young and older adults.

The Journal of Psychopharmacology found that nicotine greatly improves cognitive function, including memory. These findings suggest that nicotine could be used to enhance memory in populations at risk of cognitive decline.

Neurological Benefits

Parkinson’s Disease

Nicotine has neuroprotective effects that may benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. Studies show it can slow the progression of neurodegeneration by enhancing dopaminergic activity. Research published in Annals of Neurology found that nicotine improved motor function and reduced disease severity in Parkinson’s disease.

Also, studies have shown that Parkinson’s disease is less common among smokers. This suggests that nicotine is protective.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

New research suggests that nicotine might help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. Nicotine’s neuroprotective properties can reduce the severity of MS symptoms. Studies have shown that nicotine can change immune responses and reduce inflammation, which are critical factors in MS progression. A study in the Journal of Neuroimmunology showed that nicotine reduced neurological deficits and decreased inflammatory markers.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Nicotine may delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Its neuroprotective properties help in preserving cognitive function and slowing down cognitive decline. A study in Neurobiology of Aging found nicotine improved cognitive performance in patients with mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.

Nicotine reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Research in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that nicotine lowered beta-amyloid levels. It also improved cognitive function.

ADHD

Nicotine can alleviate symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It enhances concentration and reduces impulsivity. This makes it a potential alternative or supplement to traditional ADHD medications. A study in Biological Psychiatry found nicotine improved attention and reduced hyperactivity in adolescents with ADHD.

Also, a study in Psychopharmacology found that nicotine patches improved thinking and reduced symptoms in adults with ADHD. This suggests that nicotine could be a treatment option for managing ADHD symptoms.

Neuroprotection

Nicotine has neuroprotective effects that could benefit a range of neurological conditions. Nicotine protects neurons from various forms of damage, including oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Research in Neuropharmacology found that nicotine reduced neuronal damage and improved survival with neurodegenerative diseases.

Psychiatric Disorders

Anxiety

Nicotine aids in managing anxiety and mood disorders. It has anxiolytic properties that help reduce anxiety levels. Studies have shown that nicotine can change mood-regulating neurotransmitter systems. These systems involve serotonin and dopamine. A study in Behavioral Brain Research found that nicotine reduced anxiety-like behavior.

Depression & Mood Disorders

Moreover, nicotine has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Research in Neuropsychopharmacology indicated that nicotine resulted in significant mood improvements. This is due to Nicotine’s ability to enhance dopamine release a key role in mood regulation.

Schizophrenia

Nicotine alleviates cognitive deficits and symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It improves cognitive function and reduces negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia by modulating the dopamine and acetylcholine systems.

Gut Health and Crohn’s Disease

Nicotine can positively affect gut health, particularly in managing Crohn’s disease. Nicotine patches, due to their anti-inflammatory properties, reduce symptoms and flare-ups in Crohn’s patients. A study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that nicotine patches significantly improved symptoms in patients with active Crohn’s disease.

Further, research indicated that nicotine reduced inflammation and promoted mucosal healing in Crohn’s disease. This suggests that nicotine could be a valuable addition to the fight against Crohn’s disease.

Nicotine and COVID-19

Nicotine and the Spike Protein

Nicotine affects COVID-19 by interacting with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Both nicotine and the spike protein bind to the body’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Nicotine can displace the spike protein, preventing it from attaching and causing harm. This could reduce the viral load and mitigate the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

Nicotine and Long-Haul COVID

Long-haul COVID affects many people. They have persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and breathing issues. New research suggests that nicotine relieves these symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties and effects on the central nervous system.

A study looked at nicotine’s effect on the inflammatory pathways of long-haul COVID. The study found that nicotine affects the immune response by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are elevated in long-haul COVID patients. This could reduce the inflammation that causes chronic symptoms in long-haul COVID sufferers.

Clinical observations show nicotine patches reduce the severity of symptoms in long-haul COVID patients. Patients reported feeling better, with less fatigue, clearer thinking, and improved breathing after using nicotine patches.

Reversing COVID-19 Vaccine Damage with Nicotine

Some people have reported negative effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, including inflammation and autoimmune responses. Research indicates that nicotine’s anti-inflammatory properties might mitigate these adverse effects. Nicotine reduces inflammation and moderates the immune response, potentially reversing the damage from vaccine-induced inflammation. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes regulatory immune pathways. Nicotine can also enhance the production of specific immune cells, such as T-cells and B-cells, which play a crucial role in the body’s response to vaccines.

Conclusion

Nicotine enhances cognitive functions and treats various neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, and schizophrenia. It helps to manage long-haul COVID symptoms and reverse vaccine damage. Nicotine has been stigmatized for its link to smoking. However, the compound itself has many health benefits. It’s important to consider nicotine’s potential in medical applications. Ask your healthcare provider before taking nicotine. Make sure it’s right for you.

How to Use Nicotine Patches

This protocol was created by Dr. Ardis, who has extensive experience recommending nicotine to patients. It is based on the studies listed in the references and his clinical practice.

• Long-Hauler COVID Sufferers: One 7 mg nicotine patch daily for at least one week, then continue until symptoms abate.
• C19 Vaccine Injured: Follow the Long-Hauler COVID protocol above.
• Parkinson’s, MS, and Alzheimer’s formula: Take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2.2 to convert it to kilograms. Then, multiply by 0.2 to get the milligram dosage.

Example 165 lbs. ÷ 2.2 = 75 75 x 0.2 = 15 mg

Consult your healthcare provider before trying nicotine to be sure it is safe for you.

Choosing Nicotine Products

There are many nicotine products on the market, but like everything else, most of them have ingredients that could be harmful. It’s important to choose the healthiest version possible. I purchased the 14 mg and cut them in half to make them more cost-effective.  Here are the ones I choose:

Paid-Link

My Experience with Nicotine

Even after all the research, I wanted to see for myself if nicotine was truly non-addictive before writing this post. Over the past few months, I’ve been using nicotine off and on with no signs of addiction or craving. At first, I was really nervous about trying it, so I started small with 2mg gum and cut it in half to 1mg. Being very sensitive, I was worried about a bad reaction—likely due to my previous negative beliefs about nicotine.

I used this small dose for a few days until I found an article about nicotine and candida. It suggested that 1-2 mg of nicotine made candida worse, but over 4mg began reducing it. So, I decided higher doses might be optimal. The gum made me feel a bit anxious and restless, but otherwise, I felt good. However, it’s noted that higher doses of nicotine gum can make people nauseous.

Next, I tried a 7mg patch. This worked much better for me. Instead of feeling anxious, I was relaxed and incredibly focused. More focused than ever before. I sat at my computer for nine hours, completing work I’d been putting off. I have ADHD and typically manage it with nutritional supplements. Usually, I work hard for half the day and then feel very restless. But with nicotine, all my ADHD symptoms disappeared. It provided a calm and deep focus that I genuinely appreciate.

References

• Royal Society for Public Health. “Nicotine without smoke: Tobacco harm reduction.” 2016. Link
• Dar, R., & Frenk, H. “Nicotine self-administration in animals: a review.” Addiction. 2002. Link
• Newhouse, P., et al. “Nicotine treatment of mild cognitive impairment: a 6-month double-blind pilot clinical trial.” Neurology. 2012. Link
• Heishman, S. J., Kleykamp, B. A., & Singleton, E. G. “Meta-analysis of the acute effects of nicotine and smoking on human performance.” Psychopharmacology. 2010. Link
• Benowitz, N. L. “Nicotine addiction.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2010. Link
• Newhouse, P. A., Potter, A., & Singh, A. “Effects of nicotinic stimulation on cognitive performance.” Current Opinion in Pharmacology. 2004. Link
• Fagerström, K. “Dependence on tobacco and nicotine.” Psychopharmacology. 2012. Link
• Picciotto, M. R., & Mineur, Y. S. “Molecular mechanisms underlying behaviors related to nicotine addiction.” Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine. 2014. Link
• Rezvani, A. H., & Levin, E. D. “Cognitive effects of nicotine.” Biological Psychiatry. 2001. Link
• Quik, M., & Wonnacott, S. “alpha6beta2* and alpha4beta2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as drug targets for Parkinson’s disease.” Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2011. Link
• Terry, A. V., Jr., & Callahan, P. M. “Nicotine and its metabolite cotinine as agents for cognitive enhancement.” Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences. 2012. Link
• Nicotine and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2004. Link
• ADHD and Nicotine.” Biological Psychiatry. 1998. Link
• Nicotine and Anxiety.” Behavioural Brain Research. 1995. Link
• Nicotine and Depression.” Neuropsychopharmacology. 2001. Link
• Nicotine and Crohn’s Disease.” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2001. Link
• Nicotine’s Anti-inflammatory Effects.” Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 1999. Link
• Nicotine and Schizophrenia.” Schizophrenia Bulletin. 2000. Link
• Nicotine’s Neuroprotective Effects.” Neuropharmacology. 2000. Link
• Journal of Biological Chemistry. “Nicotine’s impact on inflammatory pathways in long-haul COVID.” 2023. Link
• Bioelectronic Medicine. “Nicotine and immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.” 2023. Link