Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Is Pipe Smoking Addictive?

Does pipe tobacco contain nicotine, and can I become addicted to it?

First, I need to point out that I am not qualified to make authoritative statements about the medical, chemical, or psychological details pertaining to smoking. However, I can mention several facts that are common knowledge about nicotine absorption and addiction relating to this question.

For one thing it is not as addictive as cigarettes!

           Image source: parismatch.com

  • Nicotine is present in pipe tobacco in varying degrees, depending on the particular blend.
  • Nicotine can be absorbed directly through the oral and mucosal tissues.
  • The amount of nicotine that can be absorbed depends on the potency or strength of the tobacco, its alkalinity level (since this affects nicotine absorption in the body), and whether or not one inhales.
In general, nicotine addiction among pipe smokers tends to be less common than with other forms of tobacco use. But since nicotine is present in pipe tobacco, and since it can be absorbed from smoking a pipe, it is certainly possible to become addicted to nicotine. Again, whether or not addiction occurs depends on numerous factors that cannot be estimated. But ask a doctor if you are really concerned about this!

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