Nicotine has long been linked to tobacco usage and proven to be highly addictive. But health and wellness influencers as well as tobacco companies are now proposing using the substance to improve performance and cognition, a dangerous suggestion. Experts agree that any possible health benefits are frequently overblown or misinterpreted. They are largely outweighed by other health risks, including the serious problem of nicotine dependence. The main claim is that someone can use nicotine sources similar to caffeine, but this is a “fool’s errand” according to Jennifer Folkenroth, American Lung Association’s Sr. Director of Nationwide Health Promotions. “Although nicotine and caffeine are both stimulants, the health risks of use between the two are not comparable,” she said. In fact, commercial tobacco and nicotine product use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, killing more than 490,000 people annually.
So, what makes nicotine so seductive, and why should you refrain from it? We broke it down.
The Draw of Nicotine as a Nootropic
In the past, before the dangers of cigarette smoking were known, the industry suggested it could be used to relax and refocus people in high-stress jobs. But today, the dangers of smoking are heavily documented, leading Big Tobacco to shift its focus and try to rebrand. In an age of DIY health remedies, nootropics are substances people use to improve focus, memory, and learning. They claim to have few side-effects and low toxicity, which is why nicotine doesn’t belong in this category. Although influencers claim nicotine gives them energy and an “edge,” they often fail to account for the danger and long-term harm that comes from using nicotine, even in small doses. “There are a lack of studies confirming that some nootropics are completely safe, but when it comes to oral nicotine pouch use specifically, research shows that these products are not safe. This is because they are highly addictive and can cause cardiovascular issues, gum irritation, nausea, and potential developmental harm to young people,” Folkenroth explained.
“The most important truth is that nicotine poses significant threat to your health.”
How Nicotine Affects and Addicts You
The effects of nicotine have been thoroughly studied, with researchers agreeing that nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine or alcohol. When ingested, nicotine rapidly affects the entire body by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and adrenaline levels. It causes blood vessels to narrow, restricts oxygen flow and alters brain chemistry by releasing dopamine, which creates dependency. Long-term use can lead to chronic health issues, including heart disease, stroke and permanent damage to lung tissue. In addition, for people under the age of 25, nicotine has been proven to negatively affect brain development. Since the brain is not yet fully developed until that age, nicotine usage can lead to lasting cognitive and behavioral impairments, and negatively affect focus, memory and learning (which are the things that nicotine as a nootropic booster is supposedly trying to improve).
One big problem is that nicotine has a half-life of approximately 2 hours. “This means that the effects of nicotine go away quickly, so people soon feel like they need another dose,” Folkenroth said. Unlike cigarettes whose smoke and smell alert people to their usage, the newest nicotine products on the market, like pouches, make it easy to get a “fix” without anyone else noticing.
“Nicotine pouches and nicotine drinks may be marketed as “smoke-free,” however smokeless doesn’t mean harmless,” Folkenroth continued. They are absorbed through the mouth (oral mucosa) often delivering high concentrations of nicotine, leading to rapid, high-dose tolerance and on-going dependency. They cause gum recession, mouth lesions, increased blood pressure, and, due to high nicotine concentrations (up to 12mg+), even cause nicotine poisoning.
For people who are addicted to tobacco products and are trying to quit, the Food and Drug Administration has approved seven medications that are safe and effective, including five forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). These medications should be used in consultation with a healthcare professional. They are not intended to be used recreationally, by people who are not addicted to a tobacco product, due to the addictive nature of the nicotine in the product.
Key Takeaways About Nicotine Use
The fact is that use of non-FDA approved nicotine containing products is dangerous. This new social media marketing trend threatens to create life-long dependency on nicotine and tobacco products. “If you don’t currently use these products, don’t ever start. If you currently use commercial tobacco and nicotine products and want to quit, we are here to help with counseling and recommending FDA-approved cessation products,” Folkenroth concludes.
Blog last updated: April 20, 2026
