THE IMPACT OF NICOTINE ON HUMAN BRAIN FUNCTIONING: NEUROBIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, COGNITIVE EFFECTS AND ADDICTION RISK - A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6065Keywords:
Nicotine, Brain, Addiction, Dopamine, Cognitive Functions, Adolescents, Nicotinic Receptors, NeurobiologyAbstract
Introduction: Nicotine is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide. Its effects involve multiple aspects of central nervous system functioning, influencing cognitive processes as well as mechanisms responsible for the development of addiction. In recent years, increasing scientific attention has been directed toward the impact of nicotine on the developing adolescent brain and the consequences associated with the growing popularity of novel nicotine-containing products.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of nicotine on human brain function, with particular emphasis on neurobiological mechanisms, cognitive performance, addiction processes, and the consequences of nicotine exposure during adolescence.
Materials and Methods: A narrative review of the scientific literature was conducted using publications retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Experimental studies, observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing the effects of nicotine on the central nervous system were included in the analysis.
Results: The reviewed literature indicates that nicotine exerts its effects primarily through the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, resulting in increased dopamine release within the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. Short-term nicotine exposure may temporarily enhance attention, working memory, and information-processing speed. However, long-term use contributes to the development of tolerance, neuroadaptive changes, and nicotine dependence. Particularly adverse effects have been observed among adolescents, in whom nicotine may disrupt neurodevelopmental processes and increase susceptibility to addiction.
Conclusions: Nicotine has a complex impact on human brain function. Despite its potential short-term effects on selected cognitive abilities, such as improved attention and faster information processing, regular nicotine use is associated with a high risk of addiction and long-term neurobiological consequences. Preventive strategies aimed at reducing nicotine exposure among adolescents remain of particular importance for public health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Michał Kieres, Klaudia Karolina Wójcik, Krzysztof Sebastian Habirek, Maja Maria Porażko, Anna Katarzyna Żurakowska-Zadrożna , Adrianna Krupska, Julia Anna Czarnecka , Zuzanna Marta Marcinkowska , Joanna Zuzanna Gugulska , Anna Kropiwnicka , Aleksander Kacper Kierys , Michał Mieczysław Parus
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