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Calculate your daily nicotine intake and assess dependence level across different products
Default: 1.2mg for typical cigarettes
| Product | Nicotine Content | Absorption Rate | Delivered/Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigarette | 10-14 mg total | ~90% | 1.0-1.4 mg |
| Vape (per puff) | 0.2-2.0 mg | ~85% | 0.2-1.7 mg |
| Nicotine Patch | 7-21 mg | ~75% | 5-16 mg |
| Nicotine Gum | 2-4 mg | ~50% | 1-2 mg |
| Nicotine Pouch | 3-12 mg | ~65% | 2-8 mg |
| Cigar | 100-200 mg | ~30% | 10-20 mg |
| Pipe (per bowl) | 20-30 mg | ~35% | 7-10 mg |
Cravings begin, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating
Peak withdrawal symptoms, intense cravings, headaches, insomnia
Symptoms begin to ease, cravings less frequent but still strong
Physical symptoms mostly resolved, psychological cravings persist
A typical cigarette contains 10-14mg of nicotine, but only about 1-1.4mg is actually absorbed by the smoker. The rest is burned off or exhaled. Light cigarettes may deliver slightly less, while hand-rolled cigarettes can vary widely.
Not necessarily. High-strength vape liquids (50mg/mL nicotine salts) can deliver more nicotine per session than cigarettes. The ease of use indoors and lack of smell can actually increase usage and dependence levels.
NRT (patches, gum, lozenges) delivers nicotine without harmful combustion products. The slower absorption reduces the reward hit, helping break the smoking habit while managing withdrawal. Gradual dose reduction helps wean off nicotine.
Nicotine has a half-life of 1-2 hours and is cleared within 1-3 days. However, cotinine (its metabolite) stays for 1-10 days and is what most tests detect. Heavy users may test positive for longer periods.
Key factors include daily intake amount, time to first use after waking, difficulty abstaining, and withdrawal severity. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence is a standard clinical assessment tool.
Nicotine pouches eliminate combustion and tobacco-specific carcinogens, making them significantly less harmful than smoking. However, they still deliver addictive nicotine and may have oral health effects with long-term use.
Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco plants. It acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, triggering dopamine release and creating the rewarding sensation that leads to addiction.
Regular nicotine use leads to receptor upregulation, requiring more nicotine to achieve the same effect. Physical dependence develops within days to weeks of regular use, with psychological habits forming over longer periods.
While nicotine itself is not carcinogenic, it raises blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, and may affect fetal development. The delivery method (smoking) causes most tobacco-related diseases through combustion products.
Quitting nicotine is one of the best things you can do for your health. Support and resources are available.