Tobacco Use
Common questions about tobacco use, quitting smoking, and its effects on mental health.
Does Tobacco Affect Your Mental Health?
While it is unclear whether or how much smoking itself may have an effect on your mental health, it has been determined that individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are more likely to smoke than those who do not.
The problem with substance use and mental health is that many individuals may use substances such as tobacco as a means of coping with associated symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression.
Not only is tobacco not an effective or reliable means of treating these symptoms, it also comes with a number of known health risks and so it should be avoided for this reason. Counseling can provide you with much healthier and more effective coping strategies.
Can Nicotine Make You Anxious?
Nicotine is an addictive compound naturally occurring in tobacco plants. This chemical binds to neural-receptors and has a notable effect on your brain and nerves.
Individuals who smoke often believe that tobacco use, and nicotine specifically, can help relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression, but the truth is that many of these same mental health symptoms may be a result of – or exasperated by – nicotine withdrawal. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why it’s not an effective means of alleviating anxiety or depression.
Can Nicotine Affect ADHD?
While studies on the effects of nicotine on individuals with ADHD are showing promising results, it’s important to keep in mind the adverse health effects of nicotine, including:
- Increased risk of cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders
- Decreased immune response
- Negative effects on reproductive health
- Resistance to chemo and radiotherapeutic agents
What’s more, the risks listed above are specific to nicotine and do not include the many additional health risks that accompany tobacco use of all kinds, including smoking and chewing tobacco.
If you are interested in treating ADHD symptoms with nicotine, talk to your primary care physician prior to beginning any treatment.
Does Quitting Tobacco Worsen Mental Health?
While quitting tobacco comes with its challenges, including nicotine withdrawal, quitting can actually improve your mental health in the long run.
Tobacco is a stimulant, and any positive feelings associated with use will be short lived. By quitting, you will enjoy a more stable mood and energy level throughout the day and may actually experience less anxiety.
In addition, by making the positive choice of quitting and working toward that goal, you will feel an improved sense of accomplishment and control.
How Long Does It Take for the Brain to Recover From Tobacco?
Quitting tobacco use for any amount of time will immediately begin to lower associated health risks and improve your overall health. Quitting smoking can:
- Lower risk of age-related brain volume loss
- Lower risk of stroke
- Lower risk of cancer
- Lower risk of heart attack
- Slow your heart rate and improve circulation
- Reduce levels of carbon monoxide in your blood
It is never too late to see positive results from quitting tobacco use.
Can Counseling Help Me Quit Smoking?
If you’re looking to quit smoking, your therapist can help you craft an effective strategy as part of your care plan. This may include:
- Working with your primary care doctor
- Managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Finding support
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Finding new healthy habits to replace your old ones