The addictive chemical in tobacco is nicotine. Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the leaves of the tobacco plant. It acts as a stimulant and is highly addictive. When tobacco is burned and smoked, nicotine is released into the smoke, which is then inhaled into the lungs. It quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, where it triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of pleasure and reward. This effect reinforces the desire to continue using tobacco products, making nicotine addiction difficult to overcome.
