You already know all about the dangers of nicotine, like how it damages the lungs, heart, and other vital organs.   

But what you might not know is how nicotine impacts the developing brain. Despite being supported with years of scientific evidence, kids and teens may be unaware that nicotine products can come with scary neurological side effects – whether it’s consumed through a combustible cigarette, a vape, or a nicotine pouch.  

The brain continues developing into young adulthood, and using substances like nicotine during adolescence can have major impacts on its development. “Youth and young adults are more vulnerable than adults to the long-term consequences of nicotine exposure, including susceptibility to nicotine addiction and potentially reduced impulse control, deficits in attention and cognition, and mood disorders,” concluded a report on e-cigarettes by the Surgeon General in 2016.  

At an Empower Series webinar in February 2025, addiction psychologist Dr. Aaron Weiner spoke about the ways nicotine and other substances can shape the young brain:  

Nicotine can worsen anxiety and mental health 

A literature review of several studies concluded that “nicotine exposure appears to consistently increase anxiety-related behavior in adolescents.” It also cites evidence suggesting that nicotine strengthens the “fear memory” in adolescents, which refers to the brain’s process of storing and recalling frightening experiences.  

There’s evidence to suggest that nicotine worsens other mental health and mood issues as well. The relationship between nicotine and mental health is unknown, but numerous studies have found the substance to have a detrimental effect on struggles with depression and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The 2016 Surgeon General’s report says, “Although these findings are complex […] they do suggest that nicotine exposure during adolescence could contribute to long-term mental health disorders.”  

The most concerning thing about these findings? Tobacco companies exploit mental health issues by marketing their products as tools for stress-relief and self-care.  

Nicotine can weaken impulse control 

There is also substantial evidence of a connection between nicotine use and increased impulsivity and risk-taking. Studies on both animals and human smokers found strong connections between nicotine and impulsivity, with nicotine use being linked to worsened impulse control.  

This can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of continually engaging in risk-taking behaviors, like increasing nicotine use or using other substances.  

Using nicotine at a young age increases likelihood of becoming addicted 

The developing brain is extremely vulnerable to addiction.  

Nearly all adult smokers began using nicotine as youth, and avoiding nicotine throughout adolescence almost guarantees never becoming a nicotine user.  

Research also suggests that adolescent nicotine use increases the likelihood of developing addiction to other substances. “A very brief, low-dose exposure to nicotine in early adolescence increases the rewarding properties of other drugs, including alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine — and these are long-term changes,” a professor of pharmaceutical sciences told NPR.  

The bottom line 

Nicotine can cause numerous detriments to young brains – and these changes could be irreversible. This is just one reason why preventing youth tobacco and nicotine use is so important.