Nicotine gum is being discussed in contexts other than quitting smoking, and there is some interest in the potential cognitive-enhancing effects. If you’re thinking about using nicotine gum for focus and concentration, here’s how it works and what the risks are.
How Nicotine Affects the Brain
Nicotine, a kind of stimulant, sticks to receptors in the brain, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are also important in attention, alertness, and cognition. Nicotine may have at least transient cognitive-enhancing (reaction-time, working memory) effects. The cognitive effects will generally occur within a few minutes after using and can continue for one to two hours, varying whether it be based on the dose or an individual’s metabolism.
Potential Cognitive Benefits
Studies have investigated the effects of nicotine on cognitive functioning, in particular on sustained attention tasks. Research suggests that nicotine can increase attention while performing routine or dull tasks. Furthermore, it may increase processing speed and short-term recall.
Yet, these results are generally small, and there is a wide variance between individuals. Those who are already regular nicotine users may have different results than non-users, as a result of developed tolerance.
Important Health Considerations
- Nicotine gum isn’t without harm, even if smoked from time to time. The main issue is the potential for addiction. Nicotine is very addictive, and using it routinely can make you physically dependent. What can begin as casual use for concentration can develop into addiction.
- Mild side effects of the drug are jaw pain and irritation inside the mouth, hiccups, nausea, and headache. In some users, it causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, thus can be dangerous for individuals with heart problems.
- Prolonged nicotine use may also impact brain development in young adults as the brain continues to develop until the mid-twenties. Therefore, nicotine products expose adolescents and young adults to a high risk of harm.
Who Should Avoid Nicotine Gum
Certain populations should completely avoid nicotine gum. Pregnant and nursing women are advised against using nicotine products because of the potential for harm to the developing fetus and infant. Individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke should speak with their healthcare provider before considering the use of nicotine.
Other people who may be at greater risk are those with diabetes, thyroid problems, or stomach ulcers. And for whoever has never used nicotine products, is that worth the risk of getting addicted?
Safer Alternatives for Focus
- Several non-pharmacological evidence-based methods help to promote concentration with no risk of addiction. Regular physical activity promotes better blood circulation to the brain and its subsequent processing. Sleep quality is essential for attention and mental clarity, and it is recommended for most adults to get seven to nine hours per night.
- It also helps to make healthy food choices. Brain-boosting foods. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates are good for your brain. Equally important is hydration, as dehydration, even mild dehydration, can reduce concentration.
- Mindfulness meditation and focused breathing techniques are good ways to increase attention span over time. Breaking up mentally strenuous work over the course of the day is also good for concentration. The Pomodoro Technique, about 25 minutes of concentrated work on something, followed by a 5-minute break, will sound familiar to many who swear by it for productivity.
- Caffeine from coffee or tea has a similar stimulant effect but without the same addiction potential as nicotine (although moderation is advised).
The Bottom Line
Although nicotine gum can provide immediate benefits to attention and concentration, its risks are generally more substantial than its benefits. The potential for addiction makes it a dubious candidate for cognitive enhancement, particularly for non-users of nicotine.
If you feel like you can’t focus for a long time, you should see a healthcare provider. Underlying problems such as sleep disorder, attentional deficit disorder, anxiety, or lack of nutrition may be involved and need to be addressed.
For those who want to concentrate better, lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management are likely to provide substantive and sustainable improvements without the health risks of nicotine use.
