Mental Health and Productivity
One Mg Pure Nicotine Helped Me Write 10,000 Words Once, But I Don’t Make It a Habit
Cognitive effects of nicotine on the brain
This story is not an endorsement of smoking or the regular use of nicotine. I’d highlight that nicotine is an addictive substance that we need to be cautious about. In addition, nicotine is highly toxic to the body. For example, a gram of nicotine could kill a person. CDC sees more than 50 mg of nicotine daily as “dangerous.”
I only share my personal experience and informed experiments on how I occasionally used pure nicotine (1 mg) safely to achieve challenging mental activities.
I am NOT a smoker. And I do NOT recommend anyone to smoke. It is a harmful habit, and its side effects are scientifically proven and well-documented. Case closed with this caveat for my story. I tricked my brain years ago into giving up this harmful habit. You might check out my experience with quitting smoking at this link.
Coming from a science and technology background, I keep an open mind for creative solutions with caution.
I first heard about nicotine’s benefits on the human cognitive process when I was undertaking my doctoral studies in the early 90s. The effects of nicotine on the human brain were communicated to us by one of our cognitive science lectures in an elegant way.
As students, we were all surprised by the science behind the little-known benefits of nicotine. They were preliminary studies. Some smoker students were nodding with triumph. However, the lectures had nothing to do with smoking. Unfortunately, there were many smokers in those days.
Since then, I came across some further studies conducted on the short-term benefits of pure nicotine, especially on memory, in a very low dose, such as implemented in the form of patches, lozenges, sprays, or gums.
For example, this study in the Journal of Neuroscience was interesting to read for me. It is titled Nicotine Enhances Visuospatial Attention by Deactivating Areas of the Resting Brain Default Network.
I won’t go into details about several scientific studies in the literature, but the studies I reviewed in the neuroscience journals particularly pointed out that nicotine should come from the patch, gum, lozenges, or sprays but not cigarettes, as the smoke of cigarettes was proven to hold multiple toxic agents harmful to one’s health, especially to lungs. We know that smoke of cigarettes can be terrible for the brain.
The first time I heard about nicotine’s benefits on the human cognitive process was when I was undertaking my doctoral studies in the mid-90s. The effects of nicotine on the human brain were communicated to us by one of our cognitive science lectures in an elegant way.
As students, we were all surprised by the science behind the little-known benefits of nicotine. They were preliminary studies. Some smoker students were nodding with triumph. However, the lectures had nothing to do with smoking. Unfortunately, there were many smokers in those days.
Since then, I came across some further studies conducted on the short-term benefits of pure nicotine, especially on memory, in a very low dose, such as implemented in the form of patches, lozenges, sprays, or gums.
Due to health reasons and the disgusting nature of cigarettes, I don’t smoke. I gave it up 40 years ago. However, I tried nicotine gums, lozenges, patches, and sprays occasionally during difficult exams later in my postgraduate studies and complex problem-solving sessions at work.
Taking a very low dosage of nicotine was helpful in reducing my stress and anxiety and keeping my motivation as far as I needed. It gave me good feelings without a crash.
My focus in this story is the benefits I gained from a very low dose of nicotine in my writing profession. As part of my career, I write technical books, professional non-fiction books, academic papers, educational materials, blogs, and articles. Needless to say, hundreds of emails.
I needed to write at least 10,000 words daily to achieve my writing goals. To focus and keep my attention on writing, I used to drink lots of coffee. Drinking coffee used to help me but after a while, it started upsetting my stomach. Besides, it lost its impact. To get the desired effect, I had to drink more, but my body did not accept drinking coffee. I had to give it up.
I was looking for an alternative solution. I remembered my school days and the exciting words of our science lecturer. Since I read a lot about the benefits of pure nicotine from preliminary studies, I decided to experiment with low-dose nicotine.
With the help of my pharmacist, I purchased sugar-free lozenges containing 1 mg of nicotine from the pharmacy. It does not require a prescription. I specifically chose the best brand she recommended to me. They are used as smoking cessation aids.
After taking 1 mg of nicotine, I noticed that my attention substantially increased. It sustained at least three hours. I only take it in the morning because I know that nicotine may impact sleep quality. Taking it in the morning did not affect my sleep.
I produced 10,000 words in a single session with full focus and attention. I also tried the gum but did not like chewing gum. Fortunately, I did not experience any side effects except some bitter taste of the gum. One time, I tried a nicotine patch, but it made the patching point very itchy for me, so I did not continue using it again.
However, since I haven’t come across long-term established studies on the effects of supplemental pure nicotine yet, I have no intention of making this a usual supplement for myself. Therefore, I occasionally use it — only when I really need it, such as times I need to produce 10,000 words in a single session.
I also heard about the appetite-suppressing and weight-loss benefits of nicotine; thus, I am researching the literature to find conclusive studies. Thus, I plan to post my finding on these speculative benefits in another story.
Related to addiction, I highlighted the importance of learning about DeltaFosB in the attached story that you might find valuable.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
You may also check the experience of Mike Broadly — Healthier Lifestyle in the attached short story.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
As a new reader, please check my holistic health and well-being stories reflecting my reviews, observations, and decades of experiments optimizing my hormones and neurotransmitters. I write about health as it matters. I believe health is all about homeostasis.
Petechiae, ALS, Metabolic Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Strokes, Obesity, Liver Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, Homocysteine, Lungs Health, Pancreas Health, Kidneys Health, NCDs, Infectious Diseases, Brain Health, Dementia, Depression, Brain Atrophy, Neonatal Disorders, Skin Health, Dental Health, Bone Health, Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain, Brain Fog, Chronic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Elevated Cortisol, Leptin Resistance, Anabolic Resistance, Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Metabolic Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Thyroid Disorders, Anemia, Dysautonomia, cardiac output, and urinary track disorders.
I also wrote about valuable nutrients. Here are the links for easy access:
Lutein/Zeaxanthin, Phosphatidylserine, Boron, Urolithin, taurine, citrulline malate, biotin, lithium orotate, alpha-lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, CoQ10, PQQ, NADH, TMG, creatine, choline, digestive enzymes, magnesium, zinc, hydrolyzed collagen, nootropics, pure nicotine, activated charcoal, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and other nutrients.
Disclaimer: My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
As part of my creative non-fiction writing goals, I’d like to share a few stories that might warm our hearts with a bit of humor into weighty topics.
Sample Humorous Stories
Finally, After Burning Her House, Georgia Found Enlightenment
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8 Psychological Points I Had to Unlearn and Relearn the Opposite
Based on my writing experience and observations, I documented findings and strategies that might help you amplify your voice, engage your audience, and achieve your desired outcomes in your writing journey.
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