Caffeine in Coffee Makes You Focus, Turns Out Nicotine Also Has Similar Effects

JAKARTA - Coffee consumption is a common habit found in the Indonesian community. In addition to the taste factor, many make coffee a means to increase focus and relaxation, especially in the midst of work and daily demands.

This is inseparable from the caffeine content contained in a glass of coffee. Interestingly and perhaps not much known by the public, a similar effect can also be obtained from nicotine. Similar to caffeine, nicotine works by affecting the release of dopamine in the brain so that it can increase focus to maintain mood.

This is the effect that adult smokers get when consuming tobacco products, as conveyed by the expert on Tobacco Harm Reduction from the UK, Clive Bates.

He explained that people use nicotine because of its effects that can increase focus, provide a sense of comfort, improve mood, and help relaxation. According to him, these characteristics make nicotine similar to caffeine.

"Nicotine is a legal substance that is widely used because it provides brain stimulation, mood regulation, and cognitive enhancement. In this case, nicotine is similar to caffeine. In addition, as a substance in itself, nicotine is not the main cause of diseases related to smoking habits," said Clive Bates, quoted Monday, July 13.

Regarding this smoking habit, Clive Bates said that a more realistic approach is to provide options that have a lower risk profile as an alternative for adult smokers to obtain nicotine.

"If the use of nicotine will continue to exist, then the public health challenge is not to eliminate it, but to provide legal alternatives that have a lower risk than continuing to smoke," he added.

Chairman of the Indonesian Vape Consumer Association (AKVINDO), Paido Siahaan, said the public needed to know the difference between the effects of nicotine and the impact of tobacco combustion.

"Smoking delivers nicotine very quickly, but at the same time brings smoke from combustion that contains tar, carbon monoxide, and various other toxic substances. Most of the risk of disease from smoking habits comes from the combustion process, not from nicotine," explained Paido.

He continued, for adult smokers who are concerned about the negative effects of exposure to harmful substances from cigarette smoke but still want to get nicotine, alternative tobacco products are now available such as heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and nicotine pouches. These three products can meet consumers' nicotine needs without going through the combustion process, so they have the potential to reduce exposure to various harmful substances from cigarette smoke.

However, Paido reminded that alternative tobacco products are not risk-free products.

"Nicotine in these products can cause dependence. However, it should be emphasized that alternative tobacco products do not produce tar that is carcinogenic. Alternative tobacco products are also only intended for adult smokers who want to switch from smoking habits, not for children or non-smokers," he said.

Achmad Maulana has been using heated tobacco products in the last two years after previously being used to smoking to get extra focus. Since he switched from cigarettes, it turns out that heated tobacco products can still provide the same effect.

"It feels really good to be able to focus more, especially if you are nervous or stressed about work that is piling up," said Achmad.

Achmas added that he also felt the benefits in his daily life since switching from smoking to alternative tobacco products.

"When I switched to heated tobacco products, the smoke didn't make a smell that stuck to my clothes, so it was more comfortable for daily use," he said.