Nicotine is an addictive drug found in tobacco products and many vaping products. Nicotine can create dependence; tobacco smoke also exposes the body to many harmful chemicals. Different products carry different risks, but nicotine is not harmless.
Health effects and risks
Tobacco use can harm the lungs, heart, and blood vessels and increases the risk of several cancers. Nicotine can raise heart rate and blood pressure and can cause withdrawal symptoms when someone stops. A health professional or a quitline can help people choose evidence-based quitting support.
Testing and next steps
Drug screens vary by specimen and by the substances listed on a test’s panel. Check the instructions and panel before selecting a test; do not assume every product detects this substance. A home screen is preliminary. For more on specimen types, read Drug Testing Methods; for a preliminary positive result, read Unexpected or Preliminary Positive Results. The Substance Information hub lists the current staging test options.
Sources and support
See the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Commonly Abused Drugs chart for a general overview. For confidential U.S. treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Call 911 for a medical emergency.