Key Takeaways
- Nicotine may cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.
- Smoking can temporarily relieve anxiety, but it does not address the root cause.
- People with anxiety should seek healthier ways to cope, like therapy or medication.
For many people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by constant worry and anxiety, finding relief is a constant battle. Some self-medicate to soothe their nerves and get through their routine by using harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, or nicotine.
Smoking rates for people with anxiety are almost double those for the general population. But does nicotine cause anxiety or relieve it? Here we explore the connection between nicotine and anxiety, also providing healthier coping options.
Despite widespread knowledge about the negative health effects of smoking, such as lung cancer and chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder, approximately 11.5% of the U.S. population smokes.
The Link Between Nicotine and Anxiety
The connection between nicotine and anxiety is still being studied, with mixed findings. Some studies suggest that nicotine may temporarily relieve feelings of fear and anxiety, while other research indicates it might lead to anxiety disorders.
For individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), smoking can worsen their anxiety. Although it may momentarily calm their nerves, it can also heighten concerns about finances and health, leading to severe and persistent anxiety. This can worsen anxiety symptoms over time.
How Does Nicotine Affect the Body?
Nicotine negatively affects the body in numerous ways. It:
- Increases the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders
- Decreases the immune response
- Increases oxidative stress
- Increases cancer risk
Anxiety Relief from Nicotine Is Temporary
Many people turn to cigarettes when they are anxious since the physiological effects of nicotine can create a calming sensation. But nicotine only produces temporary anxiety relief and does not address the underlying cause of the feelings of anxiousness.
The anxiety eventually returns and, without doing something about them, they can start to worsen over time. This can create a cycle where people smoke to alleviate anxiety and then feel the need to smoke more to deal with anxiety when it returns.
Recap
Nicotine can create temporary feelings of relaxation, but the many problems associated with smoking—including the high financial and health costs—can play a role in worsening anxiety over the long term.
Healthier Ways to Relieve Anxiety
People who use nicotine to self-medicate their anxiety should know that there are healthier, long-lasting treatment options for GAD. Start by consulting a medical professional. Your primary care doctor can refer you to a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders.
In therapy, you will discuss your anxiety symptoms and triggers to find solutions. Options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be beneficial.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend anti-anxiety medication to help manage worry and stress. While medication can be a short-term solution for some, others might need it for months or years, depending on their individual condition and needs.
A person may need to start working on their anxiety before they attempt to quit smoking. Therapy can help them identify healthier coping skills they can use to gain relief. Then, they can work on quitting.
It’s important for people to discuss smoking with their doctor. Suppose that the doctor suggests helping them quit while they still have high anxiety. In that case, the person might want to request a referral to a therapist who can assist them in managing the spike in anxiety they might experience when they stop smoking.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is one option that might help a person stop smoking and gradually reduce their nicotine use. Research suggests that using a quit-smoking aid such as a nicotine patch can increase the chances of quitting successfully by around 50 to 60%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does nicotine cause anxiety?
It may. While many people think that smoking can ease anxiety, studies suggest that the opposite may also be true. Research shows that nicotine may cause symptoms of anxiety or, at the very least, make them worse.
What organ does nicotine target that results in changes to mood and anxiety?
The brain. Nicotine targets various neurotransmitters and neural pathways in the brain that play a role in mood and anxiety.
How long do the effects of nicotine last?
The body breaks down nicotine into many chemicals, including cotinine, which stays in the system longer than nicotine itself. Nicotine has a half-life of about two hours. The half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a dose to be eliminated from the body.
Can quitting nicotine cause anxiety?
Nicotine withdrawal can lead to a range of symptoms and feelings, including anxiety. It is normal for people to start experiencing feelings of agitation, tension, and anxiety within 24 hours of quitting smoking.
