Tag: Addiction science

According to the American Heart Association, nearly one-third of cardiovascular disease deaths each year are related to smoking or secondhand smoke. While tar and other chemicals in tobacco cause significant harm, it is the highly addictive compound nicotine that puts considerable stress on multiple vital organ systems, particularly the cardiovascular system and the brain.

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to distinct and persistent changes in body odor, a phenomenon caused by a complex interplay of metabolic disruptions and health complications. This is because the body of a heavy drinker processes alcohol differently, resulting in chemical byproducts that can mimic the scent of **formaldehyde**, a sign of significant internal stress.

Fact: Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world, with addiction often compared in strength to that of cocaine or heroin. This powerful dependence leads many to wonder, **can your body reject nicotine**, or are the unpleasant sensations just part of the process?

Substance abuse creates a cascade of devastating effects across the human body, impacting nearly every organ and system. While the damaging consequences are widespread, the central nervous system (CNS) is the system most commonly affected by drug abuse, as all addictive substances interact with brain chemistry. This deep-dive explores how drugs hijack the brain's reward pathways and the severe downstream effects on other vital systems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of adult smokers in the U.S. report wanting to quit. So, **why is it so hard to quit smoking**? The answer lies in the complex interplay of a powerful physical addiction to nicotine, deep-rooted psychological dependence, and ingrained daily routines.