Last updated: November 27th, 2019 This article reveals the ADHD nicotine truths that need to be told. Because for too long, nicotine has had a pretty negative reputation (thanks to tobacco).
When in reality, multiple studies have shown that nicotine can cause an overall significant reduction in reaction time and may regulate behavior in individuals with ADHD.
Nicotine might not be perfect. Because to be perfectly honest, nicotine is extremely addictive.
But, in some cases nicotine might be used as a legitimate tool to temporarily relieve certain aspects of ADHD.
Best of all, nicotine can also be used relatively safely.
No cigarettes or tobacco required.
Contents
What exactly is nicotine?
Nicotine is a powerful alkaloid and stimulant drug that’s commonly found in nicotiana tabacum, which is also known as the ‘tobacco’ plant.
Yes, nicotine is highly-addictive. But it isn’t thought to be harmful either. Nicotine is similar to caffeine in this respect.
Keep in mind that using nicotine is not the same as smoking cigarettes. In this article, I’m generally referring to using mint nicotine gum (Amazon) or nicotine lozenges (Amazon) as a source of nicotine.
You also have to be at least 18 years of age to consume nicotine products in most U.S. states.
What are the potential health benefits of using nicotine to assist with ADHD?
Many people with ADHD naturally flock to using nicotine because it can stimulate the senses and calm the mind at the same time.
Nicotine temporarily helps people with ADHD feel more engaged with work, education, and other activities that might be difficult to concentrate on (think ‘boring’ tasks).
For a quick scientific breakdown of nicotine’s benefits, let’s refer to Wikipedia.
According to Wikipedia:
Nicotine’s mood-altering effects are different by report: in particular it is both a stimulant and a relaxant. First causing a release of glucose from the liver and epinephrine (adrenaline) from the adrenal medulla, it causes stimulation. Users report feelings of relaxation, sharpness, calmness, and alertness.
Let’s just say that nicotine acts on your adrenal glands and causes you to feel more relaxed and alert for a short period of time. To put it even more simply, nicotine may temporarily lessen your symptoms of ADHD.
In addition to these benefits of using nicotine for ADHD, some research also indicates that…
- Nicotine may help to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease
- Nicotine and its metabolites could potentially help to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Non-smokers feel less symptoms of depression after using nicotine
Is there merit to the idea that nicotine can temporarily help with certain ADHD symptoms?
You bet there is.
Are there any downsides to using nicotine for ADHD?
While the short-term benefits of using nicotine to help with certain ADHD symptoms sounds good, not all of nicotine’s side effects are glamorous.
One study conducted by the University of Vermont actually found good and bad things about using nicotine patches to treat adolescents with ADHD.
The good findings:
Our research indicates that both nicotine and Ritalin improve inhibition, and, in fact, bring the performance of adolescents with ADHD into the range of normal adolescence. We believe that this is related to the effect of nicotine on dopamine in the brain.
The bad findings:
But nicotine itself isn’t the therapy of choice. The amount of nicotine needed to get positive effects in ADHD patients is close to a level that produces negative side effects. Our hope is to help develop better therapeutics that may work similarly to nicotine without its side effects.
While there’s a heaping pile of evidence that indicates nicotine can benefit ADHD sufferers in the short term, there’s also a clear downside.
Nicotine needs to be taken in significant quantities to treat ADHD symptoms effectively (according to this one study). And even then, the problems that come with taking large quantities of nicotine become more apparent.
For instance, if you start to crave nicotine, you might also experience headaches, increased anxiety, irritability and similar issues.
I personally view the downsides of using nicotine as a sign that you shouldn’t become dependent on nicotine.
Instead, nicotine is best used as a short-term solution for occasional ADHD symptom relief.
Should people with ADHD use nicotine?
If you have willpower, you can get away with using nicotine on occasion.
You just have to be smart about using it, so that you don’t become dependent on the substance.
In my experience, people with ADHD can ultimately benefit from using nicotine situationally.
For example, you may want to use nicotine:
- While you’re giving an important presentation at work
- In the final 30 minutes of taking a test
- During a mandatory work meeting that happens once a month
It’s also important that nicotine is used as a complement to your life after you’ve implemented fundamental healthy habits.
It’s obviously still a good idea to use a high-quality ADHD medication, eat healthy food and exercise regularly.
If you practice healthy habits like these, then using nicotine to occasionally treat ADHD symptoms isn’t going to do any real harm in most cases.
What about smokers who have ADHD?
It’s extremely common for people with ADHD to smoke cigarettes.
If you have ADHD, and you smoke cigarettes, it’s recommended that you switch to using one of the following nicotine replacement therapies which are now considered significantly safer than smoking cigarettes:
Nicotine gum
Nicotine gum (Amazon) is the most common nicotine product available.
It’s typically used by smokers who want to stop smoking cigarettes.
However, it’s becoming more common for ordinary people to use nicotine as a performance enhancer.
So, nicotine gum can be considered an excellent smart drug or nootropic for those with great self-control.
Nicotine lozenges
Nicotine lozenges (Amazon) are another nice option for responsible adults with ADHD who may want to enjoy nicotine on occasion.
Lozenges are similar to hard candies that taste like mint.
Nicotine patches
Some smokers with ADHD find nicotine patches (Amazon) to be the ideal method of using nicotine.
These transdermal patches make it easy to slap one on your arm, and then go about your day as you normally would.
Nicotine patches are also convenient for discreetly using nicotine while you work.
How much nicotine can people with ADHD use?
As long as you’re using nicotine sporadically, and you can exercise control over your nicotine usage, it’s recommended that you use 1-2mg of nicotine in the form of a gum, lozenge or patch.
I personally enjoy chewing nicotine gum a few times per week.
As an ex-smoker, I also still miss smoking a cigarette while drinking coffee in the morning.
So now, I occasionally chew a piece of nicotine gum with my morning coffee instead.
You might have to experiment to find the nicotine dosage that works best for you.
ADHD Nicotine Hack Conclusion
Overall, I hope this guide sheds some light on the reality of using nicotine to treat ADHD symptoms.
For too long, people have ignored nicotine as a potential option to temporarily relieve ADHD symptoms.
But, with more and more research being conducted, it’s clear that some people find great temporary relief from ADHD by using nicotine gum (Amazon) responsibly.
If you decide to use nicotine to occasionally treat your ADHD symptoms, just make sure to:
- Maintain self-discipline and preferably don’t get into a daily habit of using nicotine
- Use nicotine situationally, when you feel like it will be most appropriate to use (for important meetings, speaking engagements, presentations etc.)
- Keep nicotine away from kids
- Remember to focus on the bigger picture of living a healthy lifestyle with ADHD through exercise, diet, sleep and positive relationships
- If you smoke, it’s in your best interest to start using nicotine gum (or a similar nicotine replacement therapy) immediately
I look forward to hearing about your experiences with ADHD and nicotine. Your stories and comments are much appreciated.
Please leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.
I am an adult with Add who literally cannot stomach the medications. I have severe pain with every medication I was prescribed. About 6 months ago I began using nicotine patches. I use a half of a 21 mg patch that slowly absorbs into my body giving me a little extra focus. I do use them every day, which isn’t really good but if I don’t put one on, I do not experience craving, but I do get back ADD symptoms. I am a magazine editor and often get overwhelmed by my disorganization and distraction. Nicotine focuses me and helps me become much more productive.
Thanks a lot for sharing your perspective Bob.
I think that nicotine is an extremely underrated tool for helping with ADD, just like you said.
And you’re absolutely right that ADD medication isn’t going to work for everyone.
It sounds like you’re using nicotine in a safe and responsible way, since you’re using the patches.
It’s really cool to hear that you’ve found a way to make nicotine work for your ADD.
Thanks again for sharing.
I’m 40 years old. I was diagnosed with ADD at 17, but never followed up with a treatment plan or fully understood the condition. I remember the counselor who diagnosed me telling my mom not to worry about my smoking habit. “He’s found a medicine that works for him”. I thought that was so strange, to have a medical professional saying not to worry about smoking.
I quit my heavy smoking habit a year ago, and my ADD has been out of control ever since. After 3 mo cold turkey I started vaping, it’s really a poor substitute, I wouldn’t recommend it.
The main thing I’m learning is ADD (inattentive ADHD) is pretty serious business. Looking back at projects started and not completed, always running late for appointments or missing them entirely, misplacing keys, wallet, belt, constant stress and battle with disorganization, trouble with employment and personal relationships, etc…
I’m going to try to get some medication and give up nicotine and caffeine, but if the medication alone doesn’t help I’m really thinking of starting smoking heavily again. Despite the bad consequences, it did keep me closer to a functional lifestyle than what I’ve experienced since quitting.
Yes, smoking was viewed in an entirely different light 20 years ago. So I’m actually not surprised that your doctor supported your smoking at the time. It seems kind of shocking now, but times have changed I suppose.
You’re absolutely right that ADD is a serious condition. The mainstream public likes to downplay the seriousness of ADD, but yes, it’s the real deal.
Medication sounds like it would be a great idea in your situation.
As for smoking, I strongly advise against it, but you’re obviously free to make your own decisions.
I used to smoke American Spirit since it seemed like a safer choice than other toxic cigarette brands (not sure if this is actually true or not by the way).
If vaping was a poor substitute, you most likely did not find the device that worked for you. As an ex-smoker with ADHD, it took awhile to find the right device and nicotine level. Once I found the right combination however, I have been able to quit smoking and stay off the sticks for about 6 years with no desire to go back. I have even lowered my nicotine from 32mg all the way down to 3mg. The ecig keeps me from going back to death sticks, and manages my ADHD enough that I don’t have to go back on Ritalin, which I hated as a child.
I’ve been chewing for the past year and half and I was 15 when I started and now I’m 17 years old. I got diagnosed with ADD at the age of 16 almost coming up on a year from the date I got diagnosed and what I’ve noticed is that nicotine just relaxes me, I go to school during the day and I’m a horrible test taker and I find it hard to find motivation to do my homework.
But when I would come home and put that dip in everything just relaxed, my muscles, my thoughts etc. But I never knew it could be because of the nicotine which I failed a drug test for last year during baseball season that got me suspended 11 games. Now that I’ve been caught multiple times by my parents I’ve tried and tried to quit multiple times but every time I have failed. If I don’t have nicotine in my system I don’t get headaches or anything it’s jusf constant thinking in my head along with my muscles just never relaxing.
So right now I’m just completely out of options on what to do. I am prescribed aderall for my ADD but that seems to only give me more energy. Now don’t get me wrong it definitely helps me out with paying attention but not as much as nicotine does when I come home from school. So since my school drug tests for nicotine (which has me and my family baffled that they do) what do you recommend I do.
Hey man. Thanks for dropping a comment on here.
I’m also baffled that your school drug tests for nicotine.
You’re almost 18, and you’ll legally be allowed to use nicotine whenever you want. So you have that option coming up pretty soon.
If nicotine works for you, then I personally think you should use nicotine gum as soon as you’re legally allowed to, since it’s a lot safer than dipping.
I used to dip too, so I know how relaxing it is. But, you have to keep in mind that chewing isn’t a sustainable thing that you can do over the long-term. It isn’t going to last forever.
Here’s my advice:
You have to stop chewing eventually because of the long-term health consequences. Switch to nicotine gum as soon as you’re legally allowed to.
You can pack nicotine gum in the side of your mouth, so that you can satisfy your cravings for dip.
In the meantime, just temporarily give up the nicotine so that you can play baseball and get a sports scholarship to a good college. You DON’T want to take out student loans for college. Trust me on that (I’ve been there).
Do whatever it takes to play baseball, and get that baseball scholarship for college. You’ll set yourself up for major success this way.
Feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have any more questions bro.
I’m a 22 year IT professional and work from home. I use caffeine and nicotine (cigarettes) to keep my ADHD in check. Coffee and cigarettes are delicious and complement each other. If you disagree, that’s fine. I’m not going to quit. Just like I’m not going to stop consuming delicious beef products to prevent heart / bowel conditions. Quality of life over longevity, I say.
Interesting perspective!
First of all great blog! I’m glad that somebody is actually putting their real experiences and not trying to take advantage of others like most of the drug companies do. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was around 12 years old and my mom forced me to use prescribed drugs like Ritalin, Concerta, and Strattera. Which worked in terms of acing exams, but I literally felt like a robot someone who studied 6 hours in one subject and not being able to socialize at all. After a year of using, I started going on and off cold turkey until 18 years old, which made the effects worse. My mom was forcing me to switch from Ritalin to Concerta from there to Straterra which all made me feel absolute worse, It basically diminished all my emotions. When I was 18 I moved out of my hometown to pursue an education in California.
I’m 22 now and it’s been 4 years that I didn’t take any medications because I have always believed that I could be successful without them. Even though it took me 3 and half years to get out of community college I was able to get into top schools.
Nowadays the way I’m dealing ADD is to somehow to save the day, like if I have a presentation the next day I usually take Korean Ginseng with some b12 and D3 (I heard ginseng helps on ADD symptoms) It usually makes me feel relax and more outgoing. And the other days I try to rely on caffeine but I limit myself 2 times a week max, since it can build a tolerance.
To sum it up, I’m looking to more effectively work and overcome my ADD problems by eating healthy and maybe medication, exercise. Do you think it is possible to be successful for a person studying computer science without using any drugs?
I appreciate your help!
Hi Jerry. Your story is an interesting one. In regards to your question, yes I think people with ADHD can be successful at computer science without using drugs. Of course, as you probably know, Adderall and Vyvanse is extremely common in Silicon Valley, so I honestly believe that ADHD medication will give you an edge in your field. But it’s definitely possible to succeed without ADHD drugs if you decide to go the natural route.
ADHD, ODD 15 year old boy. Medications did not work. He self medicated with marijuana and had some bad experiences with the high THC content. Started vaping and felt much better and was able to focus and concentrate during school hours. As a smoker, he did swipe some cigarettes from me, hence tried vaping. Considering getting him his own vaping system with 3mg oil to be controlled as a drug under my supervision. He did try the gum and he stated it tasted awful. Your thoughts ?
Thanks for the comment Frank! I think a vape is a much better option than cigarettes for sure. Although I’m not too sure about the long-term health risks of vaping (I haven’t researched this area deeply enough). It sounds like you have a solid grasp of things here.
Hi, I’m a 50-yo ADHDiva (ha) just Dx 7 yrs ago by a neuropsychologist. My symptoms were never prominent as a child until I hit puberty and now going thru menopause they are much worse to the point I can’t hold down a steady job. I hate the side effects of the add drugs that have been out for a long time, but did have better success with Vyvanse. BUT, it’s expensive and taking 20mg several days in a row puts me in a sudden deep depression. (I’ve been on Paxil for 20 yrs for depression and anxiety and want to get off it.)
So, I’ve been at a loss for add solutions even after attending CHADD’s Annual Conference in 2013, but TODAY I’m feeling hopeful after a friend told me that her ADD boss started using nicotine patches 6 mos ago to stop smoking and was surprised to find her ADD symptoms went away. Two hours later, I slapped a patch on! 🙂
That’s awesome to hear Maria I’m really curious to know how it works out for you. Can you please report back your findings?
So good I found this post. I have ADHD, been diagnosed as an adult and live in a place where adult ADHD is not yet considered a thing and as such medication in unavailable and even if it would be the price would be prohibitive. I am now trying to figure out the dosage on the patches and how to portion them to get the jolt an not the relaxation for my inatentive aspect but I am not yet there. If anyone has suggestions they are welcomed.
I wish you the best of luck Radu! Feel free to report back your experience with nicotine.
Thanks for an on point Blog. I’m a 55 year old male with ADD (since I was 5) even though diagnosis back then was generally a “disobedient brat of a kid that needs discipline”. With my ADD I found that I also had a very good addictive nature to drugs and alcohol. I do have great will power with weak resolve, I am actually 33 years sober from any alcohol or elicit drugs.
I have yet to try any ADD medications for lack of willingness to deal with the medical professionals on the ADD. What I have done since I was about 17 was to use Nicotine from Chewing Tobacco (Nasty) then switched to cigarettes to quit dipping then back to dipping then back to cigarettes, ya a terrible cycle at best. All the while knowing that I was definitely gaining a benefit from the nicotine over my Clinical ADD symptoms just that the method of getting the nicotine was a terrible choice. For about two years I switched to Nicotine gum, and when my jaws would hurt from chewing I switched to 2Mg pills (mints).
I have seen great gain over my ADD symptoms but am worried about the amount of nicotine I was taking (about 10-15 2Mg mints) everyday. I made a point at New Years to stop taking the Nicotine, 9 days in I am over the Physical withdrawal effects of the Nicotine like headaches mood swings sleepiness etc. but my ADD symptoms are sometimes in High Gear, I recognize them so I try and slow down and work through the cloudiness. I am contemplating the mints again but I’m worried of the long term affects of the nicotine.
I guess my question is have you found and long term studies on the effects of Non Smoked Nicotine on the body? Have you found any studies of the long term affects of the normally prescribed ADD meds on the body?
Again thanks for the Blog, and comments will be appreciated.
Mike
Thank you for your awesome comment Mike. Really appreciate you sharing your experience here. I have not found studies on the long term effects of non smoked nicotine. Nicotine is a natural substance so in my non-professional opinion I honestly believe nicotine (on its own) is one of the least harmful “vices” someone with ADHD can have over the long-term. Of course, I would love to see the scientific studies myself.
Interesting article. I mentioned to my psychiatrist that my ADD worsened when I quit smoking 15 years ago. I had smoked 1/2 pack a day for 20 years prior to that. He mentioned that there have been recent studies that showed promise in treating ADD with nicotine. Quiting smoking was obscenely difficult compared to others I had known who quit. I was not in my right might for 9 months to a year. I felt spacey and non-focused. I still feel that way. I’ve recently (last two years) taken up transcendental meditation, keto diet, and intermittent/extended fasting. While it all helps, I still don’t seem to get to where I want to be. I was depressed this whole week. I’m also an aircraft owner/pilot, so meds are out as the FAA doesn’t allow them. Last night I woke up and had this urge to go buy some nicotine patches just to see if it helped. I ran across this article this morning, and it confirmed my bias. 🙂 I couldn’t find patches, but I got some 2mg gum. The first chew was awesome! I felt happy in a strange way. Energized! Though my heart rate jumped from a typical 68bpm to in the upper 80s. I also think I chewed too quick and I got dizzy and a little sick. I’m excited about giving this a try. I’ll NEVER go back to smoking or vaping. I’ll chew this gum for a week or so and perhaps see if I can get to a patch. Very promising… I’ll let you know where I end up.
Interesting article. I mentioned to my psychiatrist that my ADD worsened when I quit smoking 15 years ago. I had smoked 1/2 pack a day for 20 years prior to that. He mentioned that there have been recent studies that showed promise in treating ADD with nicotine. Quiting smoking was obscenely difficult compared to others I had known who quit. I was not in my right might for 9 months to a year. I felt spacey and non-focused. I still feel that way. I’ve recently (last two years) taken up transcendental meditation, keto diet, and intermittent/extended fasting. While it all helps, I still don’t seem to get to where I want to be. I was depressed this whole week. I’m also an aircraft owner/pilot, so meds are out as the FAA doesn’t allow them. Last night I woke up and had this urge to go buy some nicotine patches just to see if it helped. I ran across this article this morning, and it confirmed my bias. 🙂 I couldn’t find patches, but I got some 2mg gum. The first chew was awesome! I felt happy in a strange way. Energized! Though my heart rate jumped from a typical 68bpm to in the upper 80s. I also think I chewed too quick and I got dizzy and a little sick. I’m excited about giving this a try. I’ll NEVER go back to smoking or vaping. I’ll chew this gum for a week or so and perhaps see if I can get to a patch. Very promising… I’ll let you know where I end up.
Nicotine gum is a very common little “hack” among high-performers like yourself so I honestly doubt you’ll come across any problems from a little bit of nicotine gum. It’s one of those little “vices” that’s probably more harmless than anything else. It sounds like you live an exciting life Mark so keep up the awesome work man!