Levels of Use 
According to the 2004 NHS:
- 83.3% of 14-19 year olds reported smoking less than 100 cigarettes
- The economic cost of tobacco use amounted to $20.7 billion (60% of total cost for licit and illicit substance use).
Pharmacology
Nicotine is a stimulant (any substance that activates or increases central nervous system activity).
Immediate effects
- Increased alertness
- Increased pulse rate
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Makes people feel less hungry
Longer term effects
- Heart and lung disease
- Blockage of arteries
- Different kinds of cancers
- High blood pressure
- Bronchitis and breathing difficulties
Special considerations
- Pregnancy - smoking when pregnant can reduce the amount of oxygen available to the unborn baby and may affect subsequent growth and development.
Signs of withdrawal
Some people may have no symptoms when they cut down or stop using nicotine, other people may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- increased feeling of nervousness
- changes in how they sleep
- stomach-ache
- poor concentration
- muscle spasms
- headaches
- cough
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Working with Young People with Alcohol or Other Drug Issues: A self-paced learning package Published: 2006 Funded by NSW Drug & Alcohol Workforce Development Council. Written & compiled by Kristy Delaney, YAPA, and Matt Stubbs & John Howard, Ted Noffs Institute. Additional material by Nick Manning, YAPA, & by Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. Opinions are the author's.
Be careful! YAPA and the authors took reasonable care to ensure that this information was correct at the time of publishing. However health information, and government regulations, laws and standards are complex and changing. The authors may not have health, safety, or legal qualifications, and information provided is general - it is not specific health, legal or professional advice. Do not rely on it - check with other publications and authorities and if necessary get qualified, medical, legal or professional advice for your situation.
