# data[].attributes.body
Risks of smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths

Smoking increases the risk of many other types of cancer

Smoking increases your risk of dying of heart and blood vessel disease

Smoking increases insulin resistance, which can set the stage for type 2 diabetes.

Smoking can increase your risk of serious eye problems such as cataracts and loss of eyesight from macular degeneration.

Smoking increases the risk of reduced fertility in women and the risk of impotence in men.

Mothers who smoke while pregnant face a higher risk of preterm delivery and giving birth to lower birth weight babies.

Smokers are more prone to respiratory infections

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing inflammation of the gum and serious gum infection that can destroy the support system for teeth

# data[].attributes.body
Triggers for starting smoking

Most people begin smoking during childhood or the teen years.

The likelihood that you will start smoking and keep smoking may be partly inherited

Children who grow up with parents who smoke are more likely to become smokers

Many studies show an association between depression and smoking

People who abuse alcohol and illegal drugs are more likely to be smokers.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 60 known cancer-causing chemicals and thousands of other harmful substances

# data[].attributes.body
Some situations that could trigger the urge to smoke include

Drinking coffee or taking breaks at work

Talking on the phone

Drinking alcohol

Driving your car

Spending time with friends

# data[].attributes.body
The brain keeps developing until about age 25.

Youth may turn to vaping to try to deal with stress or anxiety

Quitting smoking cigarettes is associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as improved positive mood and quality of life

A CDC study found that 99% of the e-cigarettes sold in assessed venues in the United States contained nicotine.

Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that makes it hard to quit

The more you smoke, the more nicotine you need to feel good.

Regardless of how long you’ve smoked, stopping will always improve your health.

Nicotine increases the release of neurotransmitters in your brain

When you take a hit, Dopamine, one of these neurotransmitters, is released in the reward center of the brain and causes feelings of pleasure and improved mood.

The best way to prevent nicotine addiction is to not use tobacco in the first place.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why is the adolescent brain more susceptible to addiction?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why is the adolescent brain more susceptible to addiction?

# data[].attributes.body
Since the prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed yet, adolescents are less likely to think about the risks before they take action.

# data[].attributes.headline
How long is the brain affected by the use of this substance?

# data[].attributes.subject
How long is the brain affected by the use of this substance?

# data[].attributes.body
Nicotine effects wear off after about an hour or two but withdrawal sets in a couple hours after. Long term risks of nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control

# data[].attributes.headline
Which portions of the brain are affected by the use of your substance? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Which portions of the brain are affected by the use of your substance? 

# data[].attributes.body
Nicotine affects the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, cingulate, and frontal lobes.

# data[].attributes.body
Where is the prefrontal cortex?

It is located in the frontal lobe

What does it do?

It is in charge of reasoning/thinking before we act.

How is it affected by adolescence?

As the prefrontal cortex developed, teenagers can reason better, develop more control over impulses and make judgments better. This makes substance use even more dangerous in adolescence as the prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to fully develop.

# data[].attributes.body
Where is the amygdala located?

The amygdala is located in the medial temporal lobe

What does it control?

The amygdala is in charge of emotional responses such as fear and aggression

How s this changing in adolescence?

It grows in size and becomes more active

# data[].attributes.headline
The Adolescent Brain-Pruning and Myelination

# data[].attributes.subject
The Adolescent Brain-Pruning and Myelination

# data[].attributes.body
What is pruning?

Synaptic pruning is a natural process that occurs in the brain between early childhood and adulthood, during this process, the brain eliminated extra synapses.

What is myelination?

The process in which myelin is wrapped around neuronal axons and acts as a layer of insulation.

What is the result of both of these things?

The result of these is an increase in the speed of signals transmitted between neurons.