Did you know that there were around 3.8 million Canadians who smoked in 2022? Despite the various studies highlighting the side effects of smoking, people continuously smoke for several reasons, ranging from stress relief to addiction.
However, one common question that arises among smokers and non-smokers alike is whether cigarettes get you high. If you are also wondering the same, you are at the right place. In this guide, we will discuss the everything you need to know about this topic.
What Does “Getting High” Mean?
The term “getting high” typically refers to the psychoactive effects caused by substances like cannabis, which alter mood, perception, and consciousness. Substances that induce a high generally contain compounds that interact with the brain’s reward or sensory systems, creating euphoric or altered mental states.
Cigarettes, primarily composed of tobacco and nicotine, don’t fall into the same category as cannabis or other psychoactive drugs. Yet, many smokers report feeling relaxed or light-headed after smoking, leading to the misconception that cigarettes can induce a high.
How Cigarettes Affect the Brain
The Role of Nicotine
Nicotine, the primary active ingredient in cigarettes, is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. When inhaled, nicotine quickly reaches the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine. Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, which can make smoking feel satisfying or calming for many individuals.
However, this release of dopamine is not equivalent to the euphoria caused by psychoactive drugs. Instead, it creates a sense of mild relaxation or satisfaction, which can be mistaken for a “high.”
Light-headedness and Dizziness
Some smokers, particularly new or infrequent users, may feel light-headed or dizzy after smoking. This is often due to the combination of nicotine’s effects on blood pressure and oxygen levels. Nicotine can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and a reduction in oxygen flow, leading to sensations that may feel similar to being “high.” However, these effects are fleeting and do not involve altered perception or consciousness.
The Myths About Cigarettes Getting You High
Myth 1: Cigarettes Are Like Cannabis
Many people assume that because both cigarettes and cannabis are smoked, their effects must be similar. This is a misconception. While cannabis contains THC, a psychoactive compound that induces a high, cigarettes do not contain any comparable substance.
Myth 2: The Relaxation from Smoking Is a High
Some smokers report feeling calm or relieved after smoking, which is often mistaken for a high. This feeling is largely due to nicotine temporarily satisfying cravings or reducing withdrawal symptoms, rather than inducing a psychoactive state.
Myth 3: Light-headedness Equals Euphoria
As mentioned earlier, the dizziness or light-headedness some people feel after smoking is often attributed to nicotine’s physical effects on the body, rather than any psychoactive property. This sensation is typically short-lived and does not constitute a high.
Why Do People Think Cigarettes Get You High?
Cultural Misconceptions
Media portrayals and anecdotal experiences often exaggerate the effects of smoking, leading people to believe it causes a high. In some cases, individuals may combine smoking with other substances, which can blur the lines between the effects of cigarettes and those of other drugs.
Association with Stress Relief
Many smokers buy cigarettes online in Canada during stressful situations, finding that smoking helps them relax. This link between smoking and stress relief can create the illusion that cigarettes provide a mental escape akin to a high.
The Science Behind Smoking Sensations
Tolerance and Dependence
For regular smokers, the body develops a tolerance to nicotine over time, meaning the initial sensations of light-headedness or relaxation diminish with repeated use. Dependence on nicotine can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, which are alleviated by smoking. This cycle reinforces the idea that smoking provides a unique sensation, even though it does not induce a high.
Short-Term Physical Effects
In addition to nicotine, the act of smoking itself can lead to short-term physical effects. Deep inhalation and the intake of carbon monoxide can contribute to feelings of dizziness or light-headedness, especially for new smokers.
The Health Risks of Smoking
While cigarettes do not get you high, they pose significant health risks. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and deaths in Canada, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. The addictive nature of nicotine makes quitting challenging, further increasing the risks associated with long-term use.
Final Thoughts
Cigarettes do not induce a high in the way that psychoactive substances like cannabis or certain drugs do. While nicotine can create feelings of satisfaction, relaxation, or light-headedness, these effects are far removed from the euphoria or altered states associated with getting high.
Understanding the effects of smoking can help dispel common myths and encourage more informed decisions. If you’re considering quitting smoking or reducing your intake, support is available through various Canadian programs and resources, which aim to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the risks associated with tobacco use.
David Martinez