Nicotine reaches the brain within seconds after entering the bloodstream. It attaches to specific receptors on neurons in the reward pathways, mainly in the ventral tegmental area. These receptors normally respond to acetylcholine, a natural messenger, but nicotine activates them more strongly and for a longer time. Once the receptors are stimulated, the neurons release dopamine into the nucleus accumbens. Dopamine creates a feeling of pleasure and reinforcement, which the brain remembers. Repea