Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that enters the body mainly through tobacco use. But tobacco not only kills more than 8 million people a year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), but the levels of dependence that nicotine causes are one of the biggest obstacles to quitting smoking.

This happens, among other causes, because cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, remains in urine for up to eight weeks after exposure, although this time may differ between people. Its presence in the body varies according to individual factors.

It is important to note that the duration of nicotine in the body depends on factors such as the amount of time the person has been exposed to this substance, and the way in which they came into contact with it.

Exposure and permanence of nicotine

There is evidence that, although nicotine is mainly absorbed through cigarette consumption, it can also enter the body through vapes or vaporizers, and even through secondhand smoke.

The specialized portal Healthline explains that the effect of nicotine in the body is short-lived, but that this substance can remain in the body for several days, due to some metabolites into which the liver breaks it down. Among these metabolites is cotinine, one of the indicators that are usually used to measure the concentration of nicotine in the body, detected through urine tests.

In people who smoke regularly, cotinine concentrations can reach 1000 to 8000 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), but in those who are not regular smokers, this concentration can be less than 50 ng/mL after two weeks of smoking, according to studies cited by Bupa Salud notes.

Effects of nicotine on the body

Nicotine has multiple effects on the body, both short and long term. It acts on the central nervous system creating dependence by releasing neurotransmitters associated with pleasure,and also affects the cardiovascular system, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and the possibility of arrhythmias.

Nicotine is so aggressive that it is absorbed very quickly, and in just 10 seconds it can affect the brain. It also produces changes in blood viscosity and increases triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Other immediate effects include fatigue, coughing, expectoration, bad breath, staining of teeth and nails, and premature skin aging.

In the long term, nicotine and smoking are associated with cardiovascular disease, various types of cancer, respiratory problems, and damage to mental health, such as aggravated depression and anxiety.

Short-term effects:

Long-term effects:

Nicotine generates chemical changes in the brain and affects the release of hormones such as adrenaline, which causes a systemic impact on the body, also promoting a state of dependence that is difficult to overcome without medical help.

Withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking

The process of quitting nicotine can cause various withdrawal symptoms that affect emotional and physical well-being. Common symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, nervousness, insomnia, weight gain, and sadness.

These symptoms are usually more intense during the first few days and tend to subside within a month.

However, quitting smoking has great benefits. Quitting smoking reduces nicotine dependence and not only improves physical well-being but also positively impacts emotional well-being. Starting the process of quitting smoking, regardless of how long you've been smoking, is essential to achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Fighting Nicotine Addiction

Several approaches can make it easier to overcome nicotine addiction. Enrolling in smoking cessation programs, joining support groups, and considering replacement therapies are all effective options.

It's crucial for each person to consult with a specialist to find the strategy that best suits their individual needs.