What is that feeling after smoking a cigarette? That feeling of lightheadedness and a general sense of euphoria? That is called a nicotine buzz. The feeling of highness is caused by the chemical named nicotine when it interacts with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in your nervous system. So, let us take a deep dive into the phenomenon in order to understand what nicotine buzz is and every other question related to the phenomenon.
What Is Nicotine Buzz?
Why do people smoke cigarettes, vape, or use nicotine patches? Every nicotine product, whether it is a cigarette or nicotine patch, contains a chemical named Nicotine. The chemical composition of Nicotine is C10 H14 N2. It is commonly associated with tobacco plants. Nicotine is usually produced in the roots of the plant and gradually gets accumulated in the leaves.
The only thing that differs from a vape to a cigarette is the general delivery method of nicotine. Other than that, both methods are generally similar to each other. Nicotine is essentially a psychoactive chemical that latches onto the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located in the Central Nervous System of a human being.
After binding to the receptors, it generally leads to the depolarization of cells and neurons. In other words, the chemical forces the body to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Therefore, activating the reward center of the brain. As a result, you will feel more relaxed and calmer. This is what is popularly known as the nicotine buzz, nic buzz, nicotine rush, or nic high.
How Does Nicotine Buzz Work?
Your brain uses chemicals to communicate. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. Each neurotransmitter has a specific job that it does, but the general role of neurotransmitters is to communicate between cells and neurons of the brain. Each neurotransmitter is isolated from each other by the reactivity of the chemical. Therefore, in other words, neurotransmitters react differently to different chemicals or states.
Nicotine activates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, this is found in the peripheral and central nervous system of the human body. The nicotine interacts with the system to release a batch of neurotransmitters. Studies are going on in order to determine how nicotine interacts with the brain after binding with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Therefore, it might be hard to determine the accurate course of action of the chemical.
However, scientists speculate that nicotine increases the release of acetylcholine in the bloodstream. This is a chemical that is believed to boost the cognitive function of an individual. However, this boost is temporary and would quickly subside. Scientists also believe that post-binding, there is a sudden increase in norepinephrine, which increases the general alertness of an individual.
Ultimately, it is believed that nicotine affects the adrenal glands of the body, which would eventually cause the iconic buzz. Therefore, the nicotine buzz you might experience after smoking a cigarette or a vape is due to a complex bodily process that takes place once all these chemicals interact.
What Does A Nicotine Buzz Feel Like?
Scientists claim that it is not a static or uniform feeling that rings true across the board. In other words, a human being’s body reacts differently. Therefore, the buzz cannot be categorized as you can categorize the effects of CBD. Still, there is a general idea of what the buzz might feel like.
According to most people, the buzz generally feels like a sense of lightness in the body, a sense of lightheadedness, and a general sense of euphoria. Still, this is a generalized explanation of what a nicotine buzz feels like, as it is impossible to document every smoker’s experience.
As explained in the earlier section, Nicotine’s interaction with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors releases a chemical called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a chemical that heightens the senses of an individual. As a result, this heightens the general awareness of the individual.
It also releases a fresh batch of serotonin and dopamine, which helps calm an individual down. Therefore, you get a sense of calmness and centeredness, which alleviates stress. Therefore, it is very common for individuals to experience a sense of confidence whenever they smoke.
How Long Does A Nicotine Buzz Last?
Although it is not documented properly, generally, an average nicotine buzz can last from 2 to 30 minutes. You would experience peaking as soon as you smoke your cigarette or take a hit from your nicotine-laced vape. Following this peaking, the effect would eventually wane off. The exact duration of the high is hard to decide. However, the exact duration of the buzz would largely depend upon several factors, like the amount of nicotine consumed, the delivery method, and the tolerance of an individual.
Like for example, nicopods would provide a stronger high than cigarettes. As a result, we see heavy smokers finding it easy to quit smoking due to the help of nicopods. Furthermore, if you are using fresh nicopods, then the effects could be lasting. This duration can be easily up to an hour.
Secondly, if you are a traditional smoker who smokes cigarettes, the effects could be lasting. When you consume nicotine via cigarettes, the effects usually dissipate after 20 to 30 minutes, where the peak would be right after you start smoking.
Due to this short span of substance retention, nicotine is one of the most popular methods of intoxication. Since the effects are fleeting and dissipate after a short span, an individual usually tends to smoke more cigarettes to hold on to the feeling.
Final Thought
Nicotine buzz is an interesting phenomenon that is rarely studied but is one of the most popular forms of high. On average, around 27% of the population smokes, with the youngest smokers being 15 years of age. Therefore, nicotine buzzes are way more common than tripping or being high.
Nonetheless, it is still one of those phenomenon that has limited information, and scientists are constantly studying to get more clarity. For more such content keep following our page.
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