Home » 1: The Addictive Nature of Nicotine

1: The Addictive Nature of Nicotine

Module Description

Content in this module will help students gain a scientific understanding of the addictive nature of nicotine in tobacco products. Addiction is a disease of the brain, and in the case of nicotine, it is very difficult to overcome.

The specific concepts covered in this module include:

  • The toxicity of nicotine
  • Modes of nicotine entry into the body
  • Nicotine effects on brain function
  • Activation of the brain’s reward pathway
  • The addiction process
  • Differences between a teenager and an adult brain

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, it is expected that students will be able to:

  • List the modes of entry into the body for nicotine
  • Trace the path that nicotine travels throughout the body
  • Explain how neurons communicate with each other
  • Name the neurotransmitter system activated by nicotine
  • Describe the effects of nicotine on body functions
  • Identify the major change that take place in the tobacco user’s brain over time
  • List and describe the steps leading to nicotine addiction
  • Discuss the role of the reward pathway in the brain
  • Explain the differences between an adult and teen’s brain