Nicotine on it’s own isn’t particularly addictive. It only becomes highly addictive when combined with the MAO inhibitors found in tobacco, primarily harman and norharman.
Nicotine dependence occurs when you need nicotine and can’t stop using it. Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that makes it hard to quit. Nicotine produces pleasing effects in your brain, but these effects are temporary. So you reach for another cigarette.
The more you smoke, the more nicotine you need to feel good. When you try to stop, you experience unpleasant mental and physical changes. These are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
In the past, it was believed that because nicotine does not cause intoxication or impairment, using tobacco was simply a bad habit, not an addiction. Today, nicotine is recognized as the very addictive drug found in tobacco products.
Nicotine dependence (also called tobacco addiction) involves physical and psychological factors that make it difficult to stop using tobacco, even if the person wants to quit.
Both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes contain nicotine, which research suggests may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. What’s worse, says Blaha, many e-cigarette users get even more nicotine than they would from a combustible tobacco product: Users can buy extra-strength cartridges, which have a higher concentration of nicotine, or increase the e-cigarette’s voltage to get a greater hit of the substance.
Nicotine on it’s own isn’t particularly addictive. It only becomes highly addictive when combined with the MAO inhibitors found in tobacco, primarily harman and norharman.
I’m intrigued, got any sources for this claim?
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition Dramatically Increases the Motivation to Self-Administer Nicotine in Rats
Monoamine oxidase inhibition in cigarette smokers: From preclinical studies to tobacco product regulation
Effects of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition on the Reinforcing Properties of Low-Dose Nicotine
Biologically Active Compounds Present in Tobacco Smoke: Potential Interactions Between Smoking and Mental Health
I searched for “nicotine addiction” and found a number of links to reputable bodies. I have put some of them above.
Some sources disagree with your claim.
Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nicotine-dependence/symptoms-causes/syc-20351584
Centre for Addition and Public Health
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/nicotine-dependence
John Hopkins
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping