The impact of nicotine on human brain functioning: Neurobiological mechanisms, cognitive effects and addiction risk - a narrative review

Introduction

Nicotine is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide. Its effects involve multiple aspects of central nervous system functioning, influencing cognitive processes as well as mechanisms responsible for the development of addiction. In recent years, increasing scientific attention has been directed toward the impact of nicotine on the developing adolescent brain and the consequences associated with the growing popularity of novel nicotine-containing products.