What is Nicotine?

WHY ARE TOBACCO PRODUCTS SO HARD TO QUIT?

• Tobacco products are addictive because they contain nicotine.
• Nicotine keeps people using tobacco products, even when they want to stop.
• Nicotine is highly addictive & found in tobacco plants and now synthetic nicotine is made in a lab.
• Tobacco products contain nicotine, such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah, tobacco, and e-cigarettes.

WHAT MAKES TOBACCO USE HARMFUL?

• There are many harmful chemicals contained in tobacco products and tobacco smoke.
• This toxic mix of chemicals causes serious health effects, including fatal lung diseases, and cancer.
• Some of these chemicals that are known to cause lung damage are also found in e-cigarette aerosols.

HOW CAN NICOTINE ALSO HELP PEOPLE QUIT SMOKING?

• The FDA-has approved nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), such as nicotine gum, skin patches, or lozenges, that are designed to help addicted adults quit.
• When used properly, NRTs can increase the chances of successfully quitting a tobacco or e-cigarette product. Quitline Iowa is a free resource for adults and youth to help you quit!