The Biology of Nicotine Addiction:

The physical brain is composed of millions of cells called neurons. In some ways, neurons act like computers. They receive and process messages and then send new messages to other neurons. The messages are transmitted using chemicals called neurotransmitters. Depending on the neurotransmitter used (more than 50 are known so far) the receiving neuron "understands" a certain type of message.

One of the most potent neurotransmitter is called Dopamine. The neurochemical message Dopamine produces is one of "feeling good", confidence, relaxation and a general sense of heightened well-being. Cocaine, Heroin and NICOTINE stimulate the release of Dopamine. This Dopamine release causes the relaxing, pleasurable effects of smoking. However, it is a false, drug-induced sense of relaxation and the body adjusts to these higher Dopamine levels.

After a while the brain's nerve cells become less sensitive to Dopamine. To prevent damage from the high Dopamine levels each nerve cell reduces the number of dopamine receptor areas it has. Fewer dopamine receptor areas means that higher Dopamine levels are required (more nicotine) to get the same pleasurable feelings from smoking. You smoke more and just to get the same feelings.

Once you stop smoking, Dopamine levels drop very quickly. Usually within 5-7days. But the brain's neurons need time to rehabilitate the Dopamine receptor areas from when the nicotine was over stimulating Dopamine production. Therefore, you not only may lose the sense of well being, relaxation and calm you experienced while smoking, you may actually become irritable, short tempered and lose concentration. Most importantly, your brain stimulates your body to get more nicotine so it can feel better again! You experience strong SMOKING URGES!

These urges combined with reduced brain functions may cause you to experience the dreaded withdrawal symptoms. Often accompanying the urge to smoke is an impulse to overeat. Sweets and sugars also stimulate Dopamine production and can sometimes function as "nicotine substitutes". They also cause weight increase (for some people as much as 30-50 lbs.) and physical problems of their own.

These symptoms are exclusively chemical in nature and reside in the physical part of the brain. The good news is that since they are chemically induced, they will gradually disappear as the neurons rehabilitate their Dopamine receptors. Over time, this rehabilitation process is complete. The brain is again sensitive to Dopamine and functions as it did before you started smoking. Smoking urges decrease in frequency and intensity. It becomes much easier to remain a non-smoker.

Realize EVEN ONE CIGARETTE WILL HALT THIS RECOVERY PROCESS COMPLETELY!

It will take several more weeks after that one cigarette for the neurons to again start rehabilitating their Dopamine receptor areas. During this time, the withdrawal symptoms will reoccur.

It is very important to resist the smoking urges that occur! This will make complete recovery possible in the shortest amount of time. I hope this information helps others as much as it did me! The Atkins diet is the best thing for those trying to quit smoking.