For many young people, trying new things can feel exciting and tempting. Curiosity is often what slowly introduces cigarettes or vapes into their lives. It may begin by following friends, hanging out socially, or simply wanting to know what it feels like. At first, it might only happen once or twice “just to try.” But without realizing it, that habit can turn into being trapped in a cycle of smoke. Behind that smoke, there is one substance playing the main role in all of this: nicotine.

Nicotine: The Addictive Substance

Nicotine is a chemical substance naturally found in tobacco plants. Today, it is not only present in conventional cigarettes, but also in electronic cigarettes or vapes. Nicotine is highly addictive, meaning that once someone consumes it, they tend to crave it again and again.

Dangerous, isn’t it? Once nicotine enters the body, it reaches the brain within seconds. The brain then releases dopamine, often called the “feel-good hormone,” making the body feel relaxed, happy, and energized. This sensation is what many smokers seek to feel more focused or calm after smoking.

What is often overlooked is how nicotine enters young people’s lives through many different pathways. Cigarette advertisements, colorful and attractive vape designs, social media content that normalizes smoking, and peer culture that treats smoking as something “ordinary” all contribute to this exposure. Even vaping is often perceived as safer, despite still containing nicotine and not necessarily being safe for the body.

The Long-Term Dangers

The problem is that nicotine only stays in the body for around 6–8 hours after smoking. When nicotine levels decrease, the brain repeatedly craves the same sensation again. This is what causes people to continue smoking, often saying they feel uncomfortable or restless without it, especially after meals.

If nicotine consumption continues over time, it can cause shortness of breath, fainting, seizures, and even respiratory failure. Worse, nicotine narrows blood vessels, reducing the flow of oxygen, blood, and nutrients throughout the body. However, quitting suddenly can also trigger nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and coughing.

According to the World Health Organization, nicotine exposure can harm brain development in young people up to the age of 25. This is because the brain is still developing and is especially sensitive to addictive substances. As a result, it becomes much harder to break free from smoking habits.

In the long term, nicotine use can increase the risk of oral and dental diseases, lung disease, cardiovascular problems such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke, infertility, cancer, premature birth, weakened immunity, and slower healing processes.

Prevent It Now, Before Getting Trapped

Staying away from nicotine is an investment in your future health, not a limitation on freedom. Youth should be a time to build a healthy future, pursue dreams and goals, and prepare for life ahead—not become trapped in harmful habits that damage the body.

Of course, the decision is personal. But considering the dangers, how nicotine works, and how difficult it can be to quit once someone starts “just trying,” it is worth thinking twice before smoking.

Instead of satisfying curiosity through cigarettes, it is better to channel that curiosity into healthier activities such as exercising, walking, meditation, or yoga. You can also try habits like Meatless Monday by challenging yourself to eat more vegetables and fruits every Monday.

In addition, seek support from family, relatives, and friends to stay away from nicotine. If quitting or avoiding smoking feels difficult, consulting a doctor can help you find the right prevention or cessation methods according to your condition.

Ultimately, health is our own responsibility. The question is simply which direction we choose—temporary pleasure from smoking that may eventually lead to disease, or a healthier and better life in the future.

Reference

• Alodokter. (2024). Nicotine, Its Dangers to the Body and How to Overcome Them.