What is it

If you ever smoked a cigarette and felt dizzy, sick to your stomach, faint or cold—you've had nicotine poisoning.

Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco—all contain nicotine and are really addictive. Most teens become addicted to cigarettes because of "social smoking"—just having a few at parties. Nicotine addiction is one of the hardest addictions to break, so don't smoke.

What are the symptoms/risks

These include: 

How is it treated?

The best way not to smoke is NOT TO START! So if you haven't started—DON'T smoke. Don't let yourself be pressured by dumb friends or slick advertising that tries to lure kids into smoking. Make up your OWN mind to be healthy and make your OWN choices. If you're already smoking a little bit—quit while you're not too far into the habit.

If you or someone you know wants to quit smoking, support groups are very helpful. Nicotine Anonymous, www.nicotine-anonymous.org has free, confidential meetings across the country, where people get support and information.

For more information on nicotine addiction and quitting, visit these Web sites: 

• Join Together Online www.drugfree.org/join-together 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at www.samhsa.gov —Free information and other resources on alcoholism and smoking 
• National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence NCADD at 800-NCA-CALL www.ncadd.org 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/tobacco