Tobacco Users Smoke Crack
Recently uncovered internal tobacco industry memos and reports reveal that industry executives knew of the addictive nature of nicotine long before they disclosed this information to the public. In this profiled document , industry researchers discuss the similarities between nicotine, the addictive chemical in tobacco products, and drugs like cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Although the industry knew -- more than 30 years ago -- of the highly addictive nature of modern tobacco products, few people are aware that smoking cigarettes is similar to smoking crack cocaine.
The graphic at left illustrates the biosynthesis of alkaloids. Common alkaloids are cocaine, heroin and nicotine. As seen in the expanded illustration, nicotine and cocaine are very close "cousins" [2]. The media, and our society in general, place great emphasis on the negative social aspects of illicit substances like cocaine and heroin. Yet, as this evidence shows, nicotine and cocaine are essentially the same drug.
More importatntly, the table at left highlights the superior addictiveness of nicotine. Tragically, one quarter of the U.S. population functions daily only by taking hundreds of "hits" from a highly addictive chemical. This drug alters their mental functions, corrupts rationality, and literally, takes control over lives.
The graphic at left illustrates the biosynthesis of alkaloids. Common alkaloids are cocaine, heroin and nicotine. As seen in the expanded illustration, nicotine and cocaine are very close "cousins" [2]. The media, and our society in general, place great emphasis on the negative social aspects of illicit substances like cocaine and heroin. Yet, as this evidence shows, nicotine and cocaine are essentially the same drug.
More importatntly, the table at left highlights the superior addictiveness of nicotine. Tragically, one quarter of the U.S. population functions daily only by taking hundreds of "hits" from a highly addictive chemical. This drug alters their mental functions, corrupts rationality, and literally, takes control over lives.
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