In this episode, I explain how nicotine impacts the brain and body, including its potent ability to enhance attention, focus, and alertness, increase blood pressure and metabolism and reduce appetite. I discuss nicotine’s ability to increase the action of neurochemicals, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine and activate sympathetic (alertness-promoting) neural circuits. I also discuss common nicotine delivery methods, such as cigarettes, vaping, dip, and snuff, and how they each create their own unique experience and how they, but not nicotine itself, cause cancer and other adverse health effects. I also explain science-based tools to permanently quit smoking cigarettes or vaping, including peer-reviewed clinical hypnosis tools, antidepressants, and alternative nicotine replacement (patches, lozenges, gums etc.). As nicotine is one of the most widely used substances with billions of users — most of whom report wanting to quit — this episode ought to be of interest to former/current nicotine users, those who want to quit smoking or vaping and/or those interested in learning the biology behind how nicotine impacts the brain and body.

#HubermanLab #Science #Health

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Articles
Predictors of smoking abstinence following a single-session restructuring intervention with self-hypnosis: https://bit.ly/3LoU0gA
Effect of hypnotic suggestion on cognition and craving in smokers: https://bit.ly/3xtUwEn
Pharmacological Approach to Smoking Cessation: An Updated Review for Daily Clinical Practice: https://bit.ly/3eTkfiV

Resources
Reveri: https://www.reveri.com

Timestamps
00:00:00 Nicotine
00:02:47 Momentous Supplements
00:03:41 Tool: Brief Daily Meditation & Focus
00:05:59 The Arrow Model of Focus, Alpha GPC & Garlic Supplements
00:10:43 Thesis, InsideTracker, ROKA
00:14:35 Nicotine Effects vs. Methods of Delivery, Acetylcholine
00:19:55 Where is Nicotine Found? Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
00:25:12 Nicotine & Effects on the Brain: Appetite, Dopamine & GABA
00:30:58 AG1 (Athletic Greens)
00:32:11 Nicotine, Acetylcholine & Attentional “Spotlighting”
00:37:29 Nicotine, Norepinephrine & Alertness/Energy
00:41:10 Nicotine & Effects on Appetite & Metabolism
00:46:47 Nicotine & Effects on Body: Sympathetic Tone
00:51:29 Nicotine & Cognitive Work vs. Physical Performance
00:55:08 Nicotine Delivery Methods & Side Effects, Young People & Dependency
00:58:35 Smoking, Vaping, Dipping & Snuffing: Carcinogens & Endothelial Cells
01:02:34 Smoking, Vaping, Dipping & Snuffing: Negative Impacts on Lifespan & Health
01:09:23 How to Quit Smoking, Nicotine Cravings & Withdrawal
01:13:56 Vaping & Nicotine, Rates of Effect Onset, Dopamine, Addiction & Depression
01:25:06 Tool: Quitting Smoking & Clinical Hypnosis, Reveri
01:30:16 Bupropion (Wellbutrin) & Quitting Smoking
01:36:24 Tool: A Nicotine Replacement Schedule to Quit Smoking, Nicotine Patch/Gum
01:41:52 Tool: Biological Homeostasis & Nicotine Withdrawal, The “First Week” Strategy
01:51:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Neural Network Newsletter, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

The Huberman Lab Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - https://www.blabacphoto.com