Nicotine is primarily used through various methods of consumption, each involving different ways of introducing the substance into the body.
Methods of Nicotine Use
The primary methods of nicotine use involve inhalation and absorption through the mouth:
Inhalation
-
Smoking: Nicotine is commonly inhaled through the smoke produced by burning tobacco products such as:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Pipes
-
Vaping: Electronic cigarettes or vaping devices heat a liquid containing nicotine, creating an aerosol that is inhaled.
-
Waterpipes: Also known as hookahs, these devices use water to filter the smoke before it is inhaled, but the nicotine is still present.
Oral Absorption
- Smokeless Tobacco: Some users place a pinch or piece of smokeless tobacco into their mouths. The nicotine is then absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
Summary Table
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Smoking | Inhaling smoke from burned tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) |
| Vaping | Inhaling aerosol from heated nicotine-containing liquid |
| Waterpipes | Inhaling smoke filtered through water (hookahs) |
| Smokeless | Absorbing nicotine through the mouth from tobacco products placed inside the mouth |
These diverse methods highlight the various ways nicotine can be delivered to the body. Each method carries its own set of risks and health considerations.
