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Nicotine temporarily increases the heart rate by 2 to 3 beats a minute and increases blood pressure in the short term because it constricts blood vessels. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the heart.

This neurotransmitter produces a "natural high" within 7 to 10 seconds of inhaling. Nicotine is a central nervous system stimulant and also decreases the sensation of pain.

Nicotine changes nerve signals that control physical actions, behavioral control and memory. That's why a certain remembered scene or a smell can trigger a craving for cigarettes.

Stress is also one of the main reasons given for relapsing when trying to quit. Everyone has stress in their lives. But smokers use nicotine to help them cope with stress. When trying to quit, a smoker needs to find other ways of coping with stress.

E-cigarettes have not been approved by the FDA as an aid to quit smoking. It’s unclear if they can actually help with quitting. And they may be harmful. Serious lung conditions have been linked to vaping. This includes e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI). Some people have died from the lung conditions. Also, secondhand smoke from hookahs can be a health risk for nonsmokers. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to quit that are safe and that work well.

Your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe a medicine that can help you quit using nicotine. There are also over-the-counter medicines that work well to help people quit smoking.

Tobacco dip and snuff actually have more nicotine than cigarettes. Holding dip in your mouth for 30 minutes can give you as much nicotine as smoking 4 cigarettes. Two cans of snuff have as much nicotine as 10-1/2 packs of cigarettes.

Studies have shown that working with others to help you quit works better than trying to quit on your own. People who talk with a healthcare provider in person or on the phone, or go to support groups have better success rates. You can also find good online resources and support groups. The American Lung Association and the CDC are 2 good places to start looking for resources and support.