Can You Get a Nicotine Buzz from Cigars? The Risks and Effects

Can You Get a Nicotine Buzz from Cigars?

Cigars have long been associated with celebrating special occasions or simply relaxing with friends. Unlike cigarettes which are inhaled, cigars are meant to be slowly savored. Their tobacco is fermented differently and contains nicotine just like cigarettes do. This leads many to wonder: can you get a nicotine buzz from smoking a cigar?

What Creates a Nicotine Buzz

When tobacco is smoked, the nicotine it contains is absorbed into the bloodstream. Nicotine is a stimulant drug that activates receptors in the brain that trigger the release of dopamine. This provides the smoker with pleasurable feelings and a sense of reward.

The speed with which nicotine is absorbed determines the strength of the buzz. Since cigars are not meant to be inhaled like cigarettes, the nicotine absorbs through the linings of the mouth over a longer period of time. This generally provides more of a lightheaded feeling than an intense rush.

Factors that Influence Nicotine Absorption

There are a few factors that determine how much nicotine you can absorb from a cigar:

• Size - The larger the cigar, the higher the nicotine content. So stronger buzzes come from bigger cigars.
• Wrapper - The wrapper controls how quickly smoke reaches the mouth. Thinner wrappers allow faster absorption.
• Tobacco type - Some tobacco leaves are naturally higher in nicotine.
• Humidity - Proper humidifying slows down the burn rate which affects nicotine delivery.
• Puffing - Taking bigger and more frequent puffs rather than resting between puffs can increase nicotine absorption.

Signs of Nicotine Absorption

For those not used to smoking cigars, even a small amount of nicotine can provide a noticeable buzz. Signs that the cigar is delivering a dose of nicotine include:

• Lightheaded, dizzy feeling
• Warm or tingling sensation
• Relaxed feeling
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea or vomiting

These effects will peak about halfway through the cigar then slowly taper off. Those who smoke cigars more regularly build a higher tobacco tolerance and need more nicotine to achieve the same intensity of buzz.

Is Nicotine Addiction Possible with Cigars?

Since cigars contain nicotine, it's natural to wonder if they can lead to addiction. While the occasional cigar likely poses little risk, regular smoking makes addiction more likely. Signs that cigar smoking has become a dependency include:

• Smoking daily or feeling compelled to smoke certain cigars
• Experiencing irritability, anxiety, or cravings when unable to smoke
• Spending significant time or money to ensure adequate cigar supply
• Trying unsuccessfully to quit or cut back
• Continuing to smoke despite health issues

The less often cigars are smoked, the lower the addiction potential. But those predisposed to addiction may require extra caution with cigars. It's possible to develop a reliance on the ritual and sensations associated with cigar smoking just as with cigarettes.

Avoiding Cigar Addiction

If you're concerned about developing a dependence, here are some tips to smoke cigars casually without addiction:

• Limit yourself to 1-2 cigars per week at most
• Smoke cigars only for special occasions or socially
• Don't inhale cigar smoke into your lungs
• Select smaller cigars with lower nicotine content
• Pair your cigar with food or drinks to reduce puffing
• Avoid chain smoking multiple cigars in a day

Pay attention to your smoking patterns and how cigars make you feel. If you notice signs of growing dependence, it may be wise to cut back or take a break from smoking.

Health Risks of Cigar Smoking

While cigars may not carry the same addiction risks as cigarettes for most, they do still pose some health concerns. This is especially true if you inhale cigar smoke which can provide a stiff dose of nicotine.

Potential health effects from regular cigar smoking include:

• Increased cancer risk - Especially of the mouth, throat, and lungs
• Heart disease - From chemicals that damage blood vessels
• Lung disease - Cigar smoke irritates airways and impairs function
• Bad breath and stained teeth - From tobacco smoke and chemicals
• Reduced immune function - Impairing the body's ability to heal

Even smoking just a few cigars weekly has been linked with increased health risks in several studies. The best approach is to consider cigars an infrequent indulgence rather than a daily habit.

Tips for Healthier Cigar Smoking

If you enjoy an occasional cigar, you can minimize potential health effects by following these tips:

• Choose smaller cigars with fewer tobacco leaves
• Smoke outside to avoid secondhand smoke
• Properly humidify cigars to burn slower
• Don't inhale smoke into your lungs
• Brush teeth and rinse mouth after smoking
• Stay hydrated to counter the drying effects

Be mindful of any worrisome symptoms after smoking like persistent cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, or racing heart. Discuss cigar smoking with your doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions.

When to Be Concerned About Cigar Smoking

Occasional cigar smoking is unlikely to cause major health effects in most people. But it's important to self-monitor and watch for signs the habit may be growing unhealthy including:

• Frequent strong nicotine buzzes from cigars
• Feeling a need to smoke a cigar every day
• Chain smoking multiple cigars at a time
• Having withdrawal symptoms like irritability when not smoking
• Continuing to smoke despite health problems
• Spending excessive money on cigars

Pay attention if family or friends express concern about your cigar use. Seek help from your doctor if you feel unable to control your smoking on your own.

Quitting Cigars

The best approach is to gradually taper down cigar smoking before quitting. This gives your body more time to adjust to decreasing amounts of nicotine. Here are some tips to successfully quit smoking cigars:

• Pick a quit date and stick to it
• Taper down number of cigars per day/week beforehand
• Remove triggers like matches, cutters, and humidors
• Find alternative relaxation techniques
• Distract yourself from cravings
• Consider nicotine replacement options if needed
• Join a support group to help stay motivated

With proper preparation, cigar smoking can be stopped at any level of use. Focus on the health benefits to stay committed to quitting.

The Bottom Line

Compared to cigarette addiction, dependence on cigar smoking is less common. But it can still occur, especially with frequent use. An occasional cigar will provide a mild buzz and poses minimal health risks.

Limiting cigar smoking to special occasions and avoiding inhalation are key to keeping it a low-risk habit. Pay attention for signs of growing addiction and be prepared to cut back or quit if needed. With moderation, the celebratory cigar can still be part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.