Will a Cigarette Save You from Anxiety?
Cigarettes are one of the most commonly used drugs. It can be found in every age group, from teenagers to adults. Cigarettes are also a common drug among people with mental health issues. Many people who suffer from anxiety use cigarettes to help them deal with anxiety. However, there are many myths about using cigarettes for anxiety.
Is nicotine helpful for anxiety?
Nicotine is a stimulant drug that can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It also causes the release of adrenaline in the body which makes you feel less anxious. So does it mean that nicotine helps with anxiety? Yes. Although nicotine itself does not have any effect on your mental health, it does help you deal with your current state of mind by increasing alertness and reducing stress levels.
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in tobacco plants, and it’s been used as a stimulant and relaxant for centuries. It binds to certain receptors in the brain and body, which can have a variety of effects. One of those effects is to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which is why many people smoke cigarettes when they’re feeling anxious or stressed out.
Moreover, you should keep in mind that nicotine is highly addictive and can cause many physical side effects such as coughing or shortness of breath which may worsen your current condition rather than improving it.
What’s about dopamine?
The reason why cigarettes help with anxiety is simple: it increases levels of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in regulating emotions and moods. An increase in dopamine levels can lead to feelings of euphoria and relaxation, which are two things we all want when we’re experiencing anxiety! It also reduces pain sensitivity by increasing levels of endorphins in your body.
However, nicotine isn’t the only chemical found in cigarettes that has this effect. Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide, which also reduces stress through its action on the brain’s receptors for epinephrine. So if you’re looking for a way to calm down after a stressful day at work or school, smoking cigarettes may help — but only if you’re also exposed to carbon monoxide from the same source!
What to Do Instead of Smoking
If you’re using nicotine to self-medicate your anxiety, there are many treatment options available for GAD that are not as physically damaging and have long-lasting effects. First, seek out the advice of a medical professional. If you don’t know where to start, your primary care physician can refer you to a therapist specializing in anxiety disorders.
In therapy, you will go over your anxiety symptoms and triggers and work to identify solutions to these issues. From cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to dialectical therapy, many methods are available to help you.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend an anti-anxiety medication to help manage your worry and stress daily. Medication is only a short-term solution for some people, but others may be on medication for months or even years. You and your doctor will make this decision based on your unique situation.
For consultations and help from real specialists, you can turn to the Sensera app, where you can get free advice from qualified therapists. Deal with mental issues in 10 minutes a day. Feel better with CBT audio sessions and exercises.
