The drug is manufactured by slowing drying the leaves of the common tobacco plant called Nicotiana tabacum.  Because it stimulates the nervous system in a similar way that caffeine does, nicotine is highly addictive and creates a feeling of well being in people addicted to the drug.

 

The most common way of ingesting nicotine is by smoking cigarettes containing dried pieces of the plant.

It is also ingested by chewing tobacco, or less commonly by inhaling 'snuff' which is a powdered from of the tobacco plant. Smokers will ingest approximately one to two milligrams of nicotine per cigarette.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The symptoms experienced by someone addicted to nicotine include:

* Cravings
* Depressed mood
* Irritability and difficulty concentrating

As a result of nicotine addiction being so common, there are numerous treatments available:

* The use of Zyban or Bupropion taken twice daily to reduce cravings.
* Patches or gum containing small amounts of nicotine to reduce the cravings associated with the cessation of smoking
* Counseling and education on the dangers of smoking