Caffeine and nicotine's effects on physical and mental health

Caffeine and Nicotine: What They Do to the Body and Mind

Over the last several years, there has been continuing debate about the long-term impact of caffeine and tobacco consumption. This is because most people are consuming either one or both of these products on a regular basis. Various forms of research are showing that this will have an adverse impact on the underlying levels of health for the individual. To fully understand how this is happening, there will be focus on studying a number of sources in conjunction with each other. Once this takes place, is when these facts will illustrate the negative effects of these substances on the physical and mental health of the individual.

Content Outline

Introduction

Summary of Current Research

Sources showing short to medium term effects

Sources illustrating the short to long-term impact on physical and mental health

Application of Psychological Addiction

Resources discussing how this is impacting the behavior of the individual.

Application of Christian Principles

1. Research that is discussing more liberal interpretations of biblical philosophy.

Summary

1. Analysis of all information that was collected and the lasting impact on health.

2. Discussion about Christian beliefs and the divisions about consumption.

Conclusion

Introduction

Throughout human history, both caffeine and nicotine have played a major role in affecting the mental and physical state of an individual. This is because both have been shown to provide some kind of temporary relief by helping the person to feel high after consuming either drug. In most cases, these substances are contained in different products that are consumed orally to include: cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, select gum, drinks, vitamins, aspirin and certain medications. (Maisto, 2011, pp. 141 -- 188)

However, both have been shown to create changes physically, where the person will go through a series of ups and downs (after consuming either drug). This increases their dependency on these substances, with them requiring more to have a sense of normal. As a result, there has been a focus on controlling the sale and the quantities that are included in a host of products. To fully understand the impact that both can have of the body and mind requires looking at how they can affect general health. Together, these elements will highlight the positive and negative effects of these two substances on the individual. (Maisto, 2011, pp. 141 -- 188)

Summary of Current Research

To fully understand the impact that both drugs are having on the human body requires examining current research. This will be accomplished by focusing on a number of sources to include: web sites, scholarly journals, books and research studies. The combination of these factors will highlight the positive and negative effects of these two substances.

In general, both caffeine and nicotine have short-term benefits. While at the same time, they have short to long-term consequences on health. Over the shorter periods of time, both will provide some kind of temporary relief for the person. In the case of caffeine, they will have a sense of alertness and positive feelings. A good example of this can be seen with many over the counter headache medications containing caffeine (to provide temporary relief). Whereas, nicotine will help the individual to feel relaxed and it makes them more awake. This changes their underlying mental state by having a sense of empowerment and control over their thoughts / actions. (Coffman, 2011)

However, there are tremendous negative consequences from taking these substances. According to Coffman (2011), the effects of caffeine and nicotine can have a major impact upon the body to include: insomnia, addiction and anxiety. This is illustrating how both substances can have an adverse effect on the body over the short to medium term. The information from this source is highlighting how caffeine and nicotine can have short-term benefits. Yet, there are also negative consequences from consuming these substances. This is why they are included in different products and how come so many health organizations are against long-term consumption of them. (Coffman, 2011)

Over the longer periods of time, the usage of caffeine and nicotine can have negative effects on health. Evidence of this can be seen with research that was conducted by Hasan (2009). She found that both substances will have a physical and mental impact on the individual. In cases of caffeine, the negative effects can be devastating. This is because, when someone is consuming this product. They will immediately see an increase in their vital signs to include: heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. For those individuals who suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure; this increases the chances that they could have some kind of: stroke or heart attack. (Hasan, 2009, pp. 17 -- 28)

Psychologically, caffeine can create a change in the mood of the individual. The way that this is accomplished is through providing the person with an immediate rush (which will have a positive impact on the brain and nervous system). This is creating empowering feelings and a sense of alertness. However, once the effect of the drug begins to wear off is when the person can go through an extreme period of: feeling tired, sluggish and depressed. These elements are illustrating how caffeine can have long-term negative impacts on the physical and mental health of the individual. (Hasan, 2009, pp. 17 -- 28)

Nicotine is considered to be a poison. In fact, just a small amount can kill an adult male within a few minutes. This has led to the usage of this compound as an insecticide in farming. However, the total amounts of nicotine that is found in: cigarettes, chewing tobacco and gum are very small. This means that there will be no immediate short-term impacts on the health of the individual. (Hasan, 2009, pp. 17 -- 28)

Over the long-term, is when these effects will become more severe leading to a number of conditions including: heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems, strokes, aneurysms and it reduce the underlying levels of physical fitness. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Surgeon General and the CDC, the use of nicotine will have a negative impact on health. As 18% of deaths associated with heart disease are directly linked to cigarette smoking (which has nicotine as one of the primary ingredients). Moreover, 90% of the lung cancer related deaths are tied directly to tobacco usage. These figures are illustrating how the use of nicotine can have a negative impact on the underlying levels of health in the individual. (Hasan, 2009, pp. 17 -- 28)

Psychologically, nicotine is considered to be a psychoactive drug. This is where it will take control of the central nervous system and the brain. When consumed, the total amounts of nicotine will take a few minutes to have an impact on the behavior of the person. During this process, is when dopamine is released from the brain. This creates feelings of joy and happiness in the person. These are similar experiences that are felt by someone who is: taking cocaine or heroin. As a result, nicotine is considered to have the same kind of addictive properties as these substances. For someone who is using these products over the long-term, they will develop a dependency on their use of nicotine to help them make it through the day. This is showing how nicotine will have a negative effect on the behavior of an individual (by creating a strong addiction towards using the drug). (Hasan, 2009, pp. 17 -- 28)

Application of Christian Principles

From a Christian perspective, there are conflicting views about the use of caffeine and nicotine. An alternate belief is that the use and consumption of these products is up to the individual. Evidence of this can be seen in 1st Corinthians 10:31- 32 which says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God -- even as I try to please everybody in every way." This passage is letting everyone know that the consumption of these products is okay (provided that you have the best of intentions by honoring and respecting God). As a result, various programs have been developed that will classify the addiction differently. (Holly Bible, 2004)

A good example of this can be seen with a study that was conducted Fatayer (2008). He found that if a more liberal definition is used, it is possible to treat the co dependence. The way that this would occur, is through having a sense of compassion and understanding (which encourages individual choice). When this happens, everyone is motivated to succeed by understanding that they are playing a vital role in their own health. This is the point that they can deal with the side effects and improve their mental state for the better. These ideas are different by taking select passages from the Bible and utilizing this as the basic foundation for effectively treating the addiction. (Fatayer, 2008, pp. 83 -- 93)

However, there are also more traditional perspectives that believe it is wrong to consume caffeine and nicotine. Evidence of this can be seen in the article that was written by Fort (1978). He found that the Bible specifically bans the use of these substances in altering the minds of everyone. When this happens, an individual is not worshiping God. Instead, they are focused on the artificial highs these drugs can provide. This is the point that the individual will engage in actions that are considered to be immoral and destructive. These different views are showing how Christianity is divided about the use and consumption of these substances. Moreover, there is division about if this should be treated as an addition and what approach should be utilized. (Fort, 1978, pp. 345 -- 359)

Summary

Clearly, there is a short-term positive effect from consuming caffeine and nicotine. However, there are also short to long-term issues to include: insomnia, shortness of breath, a lack of energy, extreme mood swings, coronary artery disease and cancer. From a psychological perspective, this can lead to increased consumption of these products from their highly addictive nature. Christians are divided about: using both substances and how to treat someone who is codependent. As a result, the physical and psychological impacts are clear. The controversy is how to treat these kinds of addictions (based upon social perceptions) and the focus Christians are taking. These elements are illustrating, how there will be different interpretations and perspectives about the impact of these substances.

Conclusion

Clearly, the evidence is undisputable that caffeine and tobacco consumption will have a negative impact on health. From the physical perspective, regular consumption can lead to a number of problems including: heart disease, cancer, insomnia, shortness of breath and a deterioration in physical health. While it has properties that are so addicting, they can alter the mood and behavior of the individual. This is when they will experience extreme amounts of highs and lows from the impacts of both. The combination of these factors, are showing how there must be an emphasis on reducing the consumption of these substances. If this can take place, it will address the different Christian views by providing the same end game (decreasing consumption within society).