Cigarettes and Tobacco News

Sep 10, 2006 -- The addictive agent nicotine is on the rise in cigarettes, according to a recent report by the Massachusetts Department of Health released last month.

The study revealed a 10 percent increase in cigarettes in the past six years.

The report concluded that because cigarettes have more nicotine, it is easier to become addicted and more difficult to quit, according to Joel London, spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The report measured the nicotine yield or the amount inhaled, because it is increasing. The smoker then is relying on more nicotine," London said.

According to Bob Stemander, a corporate services clinician for the Illinois Addiction Center, nicotine is a unique drug.

"Nicotine is the only drug out there that is both a stimulant and depressant," Stemander said.

Because of this combination, its effects are different for everyone, according to Andy Novinska, staff counselor for Student Counseling Services.

"Nicotine manipulates your endorphins, dopamine and adrenaline leaving users feeling energized and hyper while others feel calm and relaxed," Novinska said.

Massachusetts is the only state to put levels of nicotine on the packaging, according to Novinska.

"Massachusetts does this in order to inform the consumer and promote public health. It is a good idea since nicotine is the primary reason people get hooked and addicted. The consumer should know the levels," Novinska said.

Novinska said the tobacco industry purposely does not inform consumers.

"The tobacco industry needs to keep smokers smoking and chewers chewing and addicting them to their product is the best way to accomplish this," he said.

Sara Ross, a freshman English major said consumers of tobacco products already know the risks of smoking.

"It doesn't make me upset if the nicotine increase makes it worse. I already knew that," Ross said.

Amy Wilson, a freshman music major said consumers have the right to know about the products they are buying. "I don't think it is right for them not to inform you because if you don't know, you are going to become more addicted," she said.

There are two major components of addiction, according to Stemander. "Primary signs of addiction are an increased tolerance and withdrawals," he said.

London said many cigarette smokers do want to quit.

For those who want to quit, there are many therapies available, according to London.

"There are a number of counseling - individual, telephone and group counseling," London said.

Other therapies include FDA approved medications, nicotine replacement products and quit phone lines.

Cigarette smokers who want to quit are strongly encouraged to get assistance and support.

"These products lessen the urge to smoke and these therapies double the chance for quitting successfully and lessens the chance of relapse," London said.