Nicotine

In contrast to alcohol, which has a depressant effect on the body, nicotine primarily produces a stimulant effect. It increases communication in different parts of the brain and between the brain and body. Over time nicotine can also cause a depressant effect, especially for those who have used for a long time and experience anxiety and irritation when they can’t smoke or vape.

Nicotine is found in plants, with the highest concentration in tobacco leaves. Though cigarettes and other older methods of using tobacco through smoking or chewing have decreased due to awareness of the harms, nicotine itself can also be harmful in the body, aside from the other substances in cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals are also in vape juices. The variety of ingredients that are added to vape juice make it hard to say what’s safe or even less risky.

It is also addictive. People take multiple times to quit and suffer through cravings and withdrawal symptoms that range from trouble concentration to anxiety and irritation. However, quitting is possible and there are ways to manage the cravings and other symptoms.

On-Campus Resources

• Mental Health Services at the Homewood Counseling Center (410-516-8278). Serves all in-person undergraduate and graduate students and trainees from Krieger (excluding AAP students), Whiting, School of Education, and Peabody. Beginning Fall 2023, in-person students at Carey Business School in Baltimore can also access Mental Health Services at the Homewood Counseling Center. 
• Mental Health Services-East Baltimore (410-955-1892). Serves graduate, medical, and professional students and trainees at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing.  
• Mental Health Services-Washington, DC (443-287-7000). Serves SAIS, Carey DC, AAP, and Engineering for Professionals students.