Nicotine

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Nicotine is the chemical in cigarettes that makes them addictive. About 85 percent of smokers are addicted to nicotine. Higher levels of nicotine in a cigarette can make it harder to quit smoking. The amount of nicotine in cigarettes has steadily increased in the past decade. Higher nicotine levels have been found in all cigarette categories, including "light" brands. Some researchers feel nicotine is as addictive as heroin. In fact, nicotine has actions similar to heroin and cocaine, and the chemical affects the same area of the brain. Depending on the amount taken in, nicotine can act as either a stimulant or a sedative. Cigarette smoking has definite immediate positive effects. For example, it can boost mood and relieve minor depression, suppress anger, enhance concentration and short-term memory, and produce a modest sense of well-being.