THE POWER OF ADDICTION

What do e-cigarettes do to your brain?

BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER

10 to 20 seconds after inhaling nicotine, it crosses the blood-brain barrier into the brain.

MESOLIMBIC PATHWAY

This neural circuit releases the feel-good chemical dopamine into the body.

VENTRAL TEGMENTAL AREA (VTA)

Neurons in this area have nicotine receptors. When the molecules bind to them, the mesolimbic pathway is activated.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS

The mesolimbic pathway connects the VTA to this area of the brain, where dopamine is released.

REWARD AND REINFORCEMENT

Dopamine, released here, creates feelings of pleasure in the brain. As the brain learns this feeling, it seeks further reward from more nicotine hits.

MESOCORTICAL PATHWAY

This pathway controls cognitive functions like problem-solving and impulse control. As nicotine builds up in the near prefrontal cortex of the brain, it can enhance cognitive abilities. As the brain gets used to this assistance, the pathway comes to depend on nicotine input, which becomes detrimental in the long term.

NIGROSTRIATAL PATHWAY

If nicotine binds to receptors of this neural pathway, it can increase dopamine release in the dorsal striatum. This region of the brain controls motor function, so in small doses nicotine from vaping may appear to improve motor skills.