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
