How Nicotine Affects Your Brain

People who use cigarettes and electronic cigarettes get dependent on the extremely addictive chemical nicotine. It can cause several side effects, including anxiety, difficulty concentrating and nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking. When smoked, nicotine binds to specific receptors in the brain called nicotinic cholinergic receptors. These receptors normally receive the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps regulate respiration, heart rate and muscle movement. 

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Dopamine

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that communicates chemical information between brain cells, aids in the control of motivation, mood, and attention. It's also part of the reward system in your brain, which is why nicotine can trigger feelings of pleasure and satisfaction when smoked. When a person smokes cigarettes, e-cigarettes or other tobacco products, nicotine is absorbed by the lungs and quickly enters the bloodstream. It then reaches the brain, where it binds to cholinergic receptors. These receptors normally receive the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which controls physical responses like breathing, heart and muscle movement, and cognitive functions like memory. Nicotine binds to these receptors and triggers the release of dopamine, which reinforces the behavior of smoking and leads people to seek out tobacco products. The heightened levels of dopamine can also lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and difficulty concentrating. If a person stops smoking, the brain's receptors no longer receive nicotine and do not produce this neurotransmitter. As a result, low dopamine levels can trigger symptoms such as cravings, restlessness, frustration and depression.

It can be especially difficult for adolescent nicotine users, as research has shown that youth may have an even more profound effect on the brain because of their immature reward systems and slower development of prefrontal control. Study shows long-term nicotine use can change how the brain works about self-control, stress and learning, resulting in addiction and withdrawal symptoms when smoking stops.

Cravings

The effects of nicotine on the brain trigger a series of chemical reactions that create short-lived feelings of pleasure. These are known as cravings. They can occur at any time and be difficult to overcome. Frequent nicotine use changes how an individual's brain works, making it harder to control impulses and concentrate. Many people become addicted to cigarettes, but nicotine can also be found in other tobacco and e-cigarette products such as pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, hookahs, and e-cigarettes (also called "vapes"). Regardless of the form it takes, isolated nicotine is dangerous. It can cause lung disease, heart problems, and stroke. It also increases the risk of cancer and may contribute to weight gain.

The effects of nicotine are especially problematic for adolescents because their brains are still developing. Nicotine exposure can make it harder to learn and concentrate, making teenagers more likely to try other tobacco and e-cigarette products in the future. It can also make it harder for them to control their behavior, which could increase their chances of abusing other drugs later in life.

Fortunately, it is possible to get help for cravings, including counseling and medications. Therapists can teach you to cope with stress, anxiety, or negative emotions without nicotine. They can also introduce you to replacing cigarettes with healthier habits, such as taking a walk when you feel the urge to smoke or eating a snack when you crave sugar.

Cholinergic Receptors

The primary addictive component in cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, hookahs, and e-cigarettes (vapes) is nicotine. When you smoke, nicotine enters your body through the lungs and passes quickly through your bloodstream to bind with cholinergic receptors in the brain. These receptors are proteins that respond to the binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and can be divided into two groups: nicotinic and muscarinic. In a neuron, acetylcholine binds to the nicotinic receptor and opens an ion channel that diffuses cations through the membrane. It causes the neuron to depolarize and fire its action potential. On the other hand, Muscarinic receptors bind acetylcholine indirectly through a second messenger. They are more prevalent in the central nervous system and the neuromuscular junction in skeletal muscle.

When nicotine is smoked, it binds to nAChR in the prefrontal cortex and blocks the release of acetylcholine by nAChR. It reduces short-term plasticity in these neurons, and the resulting repression of information processing in the prefrontal cortex may contribute to impaired working memory. Adolescents seem particularly vulnerable to nicotine's rewarding effects, partly explained by their slower development of prefrontal cognitive control than adults. Using positron emission tomography, we have found that adolescent smokers display altered brain activation patterns during a complex mental tasks.

Withdrawal

Smokers go through withdrawal when they try to quit smoking, and these symptoms can be quite intense. They can include cravings for cigarettes, irritability, anxiety and difficulty concentrating. They may also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. To ease these symptoms, your loved one can try to get enough sleep and eat well-balanced meals. They can also practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga. They should try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. They should also talk to their doctor about how they are feeling.

When a person takes any addictive substance, it changes the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Drugs like nicotine activate dopamine receptors while they suppress acetylcholine receptors. Over time, these changes can cause a person to develop tolerance and dependence. Tolerance means that it takes larger and larger doses of a drug to experience the same effects, and support means that a person experiences withdrawal when they stop using it. Addiction affects many parts of the brain, but it can be hard to understand how it happens. It is important to seek treatment if you or someone you love has a problem with addiction. Your doctor can help you address your withdrawal symptoms and offer other resources to assist in recovery, such as support groups or a therapist.

What You Need to Know About the Different Types of Dab Rig

Standard dab rigs feature a nail (a banger) heated using a torch to high temperatures. A concentrate like wax, shatter, or rosin is placed on the nail using a dabber tool.

You will also need a dab mat to prevent messes on your or your friends’ surfaces. A butane torch is also necessary because lighters do not heat the necessary temperature for dabbing.

E-Rig

E-rigs are a type of dab rig that are newer, easier-to-use versions of traditional glass dab rigs. They are an excellent option for cannabis enthusiasts who want better temperature control over their concentrates. An e-rig uses an e-mail, which replaces your banger and heats up at a consistent temperature. Once the nail has reached the desired temperature, you can load your wax, cover it with a carb cap, and inhale.

An e-rig also makes it easier to use high-terpene cannabis extracts, as these require a lower temperature to preserve their flavorful compounds. Butane torches can cause the nail to reach too high a temperature, scorching the terpenes. An e-rig prevents this issue and provides a more accurate dab session every time.

There are many electric dab rigs to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. 

E-rigs are easy to use, and most come preset at the optimal temperature for your preferred dabbing material. Some even have a session mode that holds the nail at a stable temperature for longer sessions. If you use a new e-mail, season it first by heating and cooling it several times before adding your concentrate. It helps remove any factory residue and improves the taste of your dab.

Glass

A glass dab rig is a traditional style that offers excellent performance and durability. These rigs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors and can be customized with various attachments. They are usually made of solid glass crafted to withstand the intense heat necessary for turning concentrates into vapor.

They are often equipped with a banger that can be used to inhale the concentrates. The banger is heated with a torch or by e-mail. You can also find quartz bangers that are sealed by heating, applying essential oils, and then quenching them in water. It ensures that no residues are left behind when you use your rig and that the terpenes are preserved.

The best way to get the most out of your rig is to keep it clean. A contaminated banger can leave residue on your lips and lungs when inhaled. This residue can change the flavor of your dabs. To avoid this, wipe down the nail after every session. It is also a good idea to clean the inside of your banger after each session with isopropyl alcohol.

It would be best to look for a dab rig with a percolator. This feature will help you avoid dry hits, which can burn your lungs and make for an uncomfortable experience. The percolator forces the vapor through a series of small holes. It creates millions of tiny bubbles that cool the vapor faster than you would get with one big vapor bubble.

Recycler

A dab rig can be an excellent tool for those looking to experience the full effects of concentrated marijuana. Dabs are incredibly potent and offer many benefits over traditional cannabis flowers, such as higher THC content, faster absorption, and longer-lasting effects. In addition, dabs are easier to handle and consume than a joint or pipe. Dab rigs are also smaller and more compact, making them ideal for travel or use in a public place.

A recycler dab rig is a type of bong with a second chamber that creates an infinite filtration loop. This rig is named for recycling water and smoke through the chambers, allowing for smooth hits with every hit. You can find recycler rigs in multiple sizes and base styles. For example, some people may benefit from a beaker base recycler bong, while others may enjoy a bubble base.

To use a recycler dab rig, you must have a few accessories, such as a dabber and carb cap. You will also want a dab nail that fits your rig, a nail cleaner, and a dabber holder. Once you have assembled the necessary items, it is time to take your first dab! Inhale slowly, exhaling through your mouth as you do. It ensures that the vapor is not held in your lungs for too long and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by the intense potency of your dab.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a computer graphics program that combines the richness of raster-based painting with the flexibility of editable vector graphics. It uses skeletal stroke technology to allow a smooth workflow for illustrators, graphic designers, and Flash developers. It is used by professional and amateur artists alike.

Acrylic fiber is a synthetic textile similar to wool in many ways, but it has lower production costs than natural fabrics. It is often used in sweaters, gloves, hats, and other cold-weather apparel, as well as carpeting, upholstery, and rugs. It also makes wigs, hair extensions, and fake fur. It can even be modified to have flame-retardant properties.

The word acrylic comes from the polymerization of acrylonitrile. It is produced by many processes, including polymerization, spinning, preheating, washing, drying, heat setting, and cutting. It has better moisture absorption than polyester and is less brittle than nylon. It is also more flexible than cotton and sturdier than polyester.

When using acrylic paints, choose an artist or student-quality product. Artists’ quality paints contain high pigment concentrations and have a higher permanence rating. In addition, they have a smooth consistency that makes them easy to blend and layer. Students’ quality paints have a lower pigment level and may contain fillers that weaken the color strength.

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas from Gourmet Gift Baskets

Father's Day is coming up soon, on June 18th. Sending a gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets is a great choice for a number of reasons. Firstly, they offer a wide variety of gift baskets to choose from, catering to a range of tastes and occasions. Whether you're looking for a gift for a chocolate lover or a wine enthusiast, you're sure to find something that fits the bill. Additionally, their gift baskets are of high quality, filled with gourmet foods and beverages from top-notch brands. This ensures that the recipient will receive a gift that is both delicious and luxurious. Furthermore, Gourmet Gift Baskets offers reliable and efficient shipping, so you can rest assured that your gift will arrive on time and in great condition. Sending a gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets is a thoughtful and impressive way to show your appreciation or celebrate a special occasion. 

This Father's Day, consider spoiling your dad or father figure with a Father's Day Sweet and Savory Meat and Cheese box. This delicious gift comes in a handsome keepsake box packed with care, and contains: 

• Summer Sausage by Hanover Smokehouse - 5 oz. 
• Stoned Wheat Crackers by Mariner - 1.5 oz. 
• Olive Oil & Sel Gris Organic Flatbread Crackers by Rustic Bakery - .7 oz. – Qty. 2 
• Cheddar Cheese by Mountain View Farms - 6 oz. 
• Vegetable Cheddar Cheese by Mountain View Farms - 6 oz. 
• Raspberry Honey Mustard by Terrapin Ridge Farms - 4 oz 
  
  

  

  

This gift is only $49.99 and is sure to be well received! Even the delivery box has a peel-away tab that reveals a greeting card. The savory summer sausage pairs so well with the crackers, cheese and the sweet-tart combo from the raspberry honey mustard. Most dads love to tell you to not buy them anything, but the dads I know would not want to turn this one down. Just don't be upset when he chooses not to share. This is a good one! 

Other gifts to consider: 

New for 2023! Bacon and Chocolate Bundt Cakes, $39.99, SKU 2004

Baked Goods and Tea for Dad, $99.99, SKU 6673F

Bloody Mary Bar, $99.99, SKU 6031

We highly recommend Gourmet Gift Baskets as a gift for Father's Day, birthdays, thank yous, get well soon, anniversaries, and even just because! The person receiving it will feel extra special and loved.

Many thanks to our brand partner, Gourmet Gift Baskets for a sample gift to enjoy. All opinions in this post are my own like always. Thank you so much for stopping by today! 

Shelly

How to Co-Parent with an Ex: 3 Tips

Choosing to bring children into the world relies on a certain level of selflessness on your part. You need to be willing and able to put your own needs, desires and feelings aside for the good of the child. Not every couple will be able to make it work, and sometimes the best thing for them to do is to be apart; however, you will always be connected by that child, and so you need to be prepared to co-parent peacefully with your ex. This won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Let’s get into it.

Putting Aside Emotion

If the split was acrimonious or you don’t really get along with your ex, then there is likely to be a lot of residual emotion like anger, hurt or even just lingering resentment, and this needs to be put aside for the good of the children. It can be hard to cooperate when you are feeling a lot of negative emotions toward the other person, but it will not benefit your children. 

This isn’t to say that your feelings aren’t valid – of course, they are, but they shouldn’t impact your behavior. Avoid venting to or in front of the children. Coming up with practical solutions can help; if your ex throws out accusations like accusing you of infidelity or questioning paternity, then instead of engaging in an argument, you could simply get a paternity test. Post and prenatal paternity testing by AlphaBiolabs is really easy and accessible, and it immediately puts a stop to these types of questions and conflicts.  

Prioritize Healthy Communication

You cannot expect to co-parent well if you aren’t communicating with each other. However, not all communication is healthy. So, before you reach out to your ex, think about what you want to say and why you want to say it. Does it serve a purpose for your child’s well-being or not? The ultimate goal should be conflict-free, healthy communication, and this might mean texts, emails, phone calls or face-to-face communication. It can look different for different people. 

Try to avoid putting the kids in the middle and resolve issues privately, away from little ears. You should also make sure that you aren’t using the children as messengers; communicate directly whenever possible. Communicating with your ex can be hard, but it can be improved with a number of tactics. You could try to keep a neutral tone, make requests as opposed to demands, listen well and show restraint. 

Everyone disagrees from time to time, it is to be expected, and while you should be prepared for this, you will also need to think about how you can resolve these. What do they say? Manners cost nothing? Well, it’s true. A little bit of respect can go a long way. Even if you do disagree, you will still need to communicate with each other and if you simply can’t, then use a mediator – not your child. 

There are issues that are worth the debate and others that aren’t. Save your energy for those big discussions and try to let the other smaller things go. Lastly, you might think that you are right, but so will your ex! It is unlikely that one of you is going to yield completely; instead, it is far more likely that you are going to need to be able to compromise and look for solutions that make you both happy. 

Remember That You are a Team

 Even if you aren’t together, parenting still should be done as a team; it doesn’t matter if you like each other or if you can’t stand each other anymore. Cooperation and communication are the cornerstones of co-parenting. If you work hard to achieve this, then more often than not, making the childcare decisions together tends to be a lot easier. Whilst you might not always agree on everything, and exposing your kids to differing perspectives is healthy, establishing a base level of consistency is important. 

Work with your co-parent to come up with some basic rules that will be the same across households. It is also worth considering your approach to discipline and thinking about consequences that can be kept the same across households too. If the length of punishment crosses over between households, you should expect your co-parent to follow through as you should too. Lastly, there should also be a certain level of consistency in their schedules too because this can help to make the adjustment easier on the kids. 

When it comes to child-rearing, there are decisions that need to be made, and they should be done so with input from both parents. Decisions such as medical needs, education and financial issues. In some instances, it might be worth designating one parent as the default for contact, although, in those cases, it is then the responsibility of that parent to pass everything along to the other and open up the floor for discussion. 

The Bottom Line

Truthfully, when there are kids involved, you do not have the luxury of animosity. Children pick up on everything, and they will know which parent made the effort and which didn’t. By doing your best to work with your co-parent, you are making life much easier for your children, and one day, they will thank you for it. 

Summer Reading Essentials From Nat Geo Kids + Giveaway

For many of us, summer break is already under way or is soon to come. During the summer break, there are several ways to keep your kids' brains engaged and active. Encouraging reading is a fantastic way to stimulate their minds, whether it's through a summer reading challenge or joining a local library program. Engaging in hands-on activities like arts and crafts, puzzles, and building projects can promote problem-solving skills and creativity. Encouraging them to explore nature through outdoor adventures, such as hiking or gardening, can foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Additionally, enrolling them in summer camps or workshops focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) can provide structured learning experiences and spark their interests in these fields. Lastly, limiting screen time and encouraging social interactions with friends and family can promote cognitive and emotional development. By incorporating a variety of activities, you can ensure a summer filled with fun and continued mental growth for your children.

There will definitely be times where kids have a lot of moments waiting in an airport, in the car, or even when they feel like they have nothing to do. Thankfully children's books from National Geographic are a perfect way to fill the time. It's even better when learning about animals is involved. I want to share some titles that your kids of many ages can enjoy this summer. *Please note that this post contains affiliate links. 

Little Kids First Nature Guide: Explore the Beach (ages 4-8, Flex-Bound, $9.99)

Make the most out of any trip to the beach wit this take-along nature guide that helps young children find, identify, and learn about the fascinating animals, plants, and other wonders to be found at the seashore. Young explorers discover a variety of cool creatures, shells, plants, and more at the beach, from crabs skittering across the sand to fish riding the waves to seagulls flying high in the sky. This sturdy take-along guide features:

• Easy-to-understand profiles of a wide variety of plants and animals commonly spotted at the beach, as well as fan-favorites out in the waves like dolphins, seahorses, and jellyfish
• Vibrant National Geographic photography that brings the subject matter to life and makes identification easy
• “Check Me Out!” fact boxes that provide more information about each creature, including its size and color, where it’s found, and what it eat
•  Gallery pages featuring various beach environments, such as tide pools and sand dunes
• Cool fun facts sprinkled throughout
• Simple text for reading aloud or for beginning readers
• Games, activities, and tips for how and where to explore
• Helpful glossary
• Flexible binding for durability

That's Fact-tastic! Mind-Blowing, Eye-Popping, Jaw-Dropping Stuff About Our World   (ages 8-12, Hardcover, $19.99)

Did you know that a giraffe’s eye is as big as a Ping-Pong ball? Or that about 19 million hot dogs are sold at major league baseball games every year? Or that there is only one bone in your body that’s not connected to another one?  This book is chock-full of fascinating facts, silly stats, and catchy little knowledge nuggets in all kinds of awesome categories, from amphibians to black holes to the gold rush.

Special features include Extreme Weirdness, Strange Places, What's the Difference, and more. Bold, colorful photographs in a supersized format and spectacular information create a winning combination for curious kids who can't wait to learn more about the world.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024 (ages 8-12, Paperback, $15.99)

The New York Times best-selling Almanac is packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, National Geographic exclusives, games, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and more. 

National Geographic Kids Personality Quizzes (ages 8-12, $9.99, Paperback)

What's your shark superpower? What kind of friend are you?

From weird and wacky (What stinky animal are you?) to thought-provoking and informative (What kind of explorer should you be? Which mountain should you climb?), there’s a personality profile for everyone in this totally unique book. Inside you'll find all kinds of quizzes: flow charts, multiple choice, this or that, and more and while you're at it, get to know about amazing animals, places, cultures, and even careers around the world!

Puzzle Book of the Ocean (ages 8-12, Paperback, $6.99)

Headed to the beach this summer?  Make the trip go by in a flash with this ultimate backseat boredom-buster!

Dive into pages and pages of crosswords, sudoku, word searches, mazes, quizzes, word scrambles, and spot the difference puzzles as well as fun facts and vibrant photos of fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and all sorts of ocean animals.  This book will have you swimming for hours through amazing information about the deep blue—just don’t forget to surface!

Explorer Academy Book 1: The Nebula Secret and Explorer Academy Book 2: The Falcon's Feather (ages 8-12, Hardcover/Paperback, $16.99/$9.99)

Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.

In this fan-favorite fiction series, Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at the Academy than he discovers that his family has a mysterious past with the organization that could jeopardize his future. In the midst of codebreaking and cool classes, new friends and augmented-reality expeditions, Cruz must tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him ... and why?  Readers can get in on the excitement with puzzles and codes embedded throughout. Learn more here: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explorer-academy

GIVEAWAY

These titles are really great and will provide many hours of fun! They are all available on *Amazon, and make a great gift to family and friends. Thank you so much National Geographic Kids for the sample books, and for providing a set for a giveaway for one lucky Mom Files reader to win. Be sure to visit the National Geographic Kids website: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

If you are interested in winning a Prize Pack of these National Geographic Kids Books, enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends on June 17, 2023 and is open to U.S. and Canada Residents only. Please note that Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes since our sponsor takes care of prize fulfillment. All opinions are my own. Thank you for stopping by today!