We all know smoking is bad for you. It increases your risk of lung cancer, respiratory disease, heart disease and a dozen other physical ailments.
But now researchers have discovered a terrifying link between smoking cigarettes and developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
According to the research team, who analysed studies from over 15,000 smokers and 273,000 non-smokers, nicotine altered the levels of brain chemical dopamine - which could cause the onset of psychotic illness.
Sir Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research at King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, said: “Excess dopamine is the best biological explanation we have for psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. It is possible that nicotine exposure, by increasing the release of dopamine, causes psychosis to develop.”
In simple terms, smoking triggers chemical reactions in the brain, which causes the sensation of pleasure. The brief ‘high’ experienced is a muted version of what can be experienced through other mood altering drugs - such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.
If you need help stopping smoking, visit the NHS website here.