Question about addictions?

Question

I am trying to figure this out a little bit.

Would the fact that a baby exposed to addictive substances while still in the womb make that person more likely to become addicted to something later in life or more likely to try addictive substances?

My mother smoked 2+ packs of cigarettes a day, drank a lot of coffee and regular Pepsi when she was pregnant with me. All three substances are stimulants. Since I was constantly exposed to them, that would make me more likely to be an addict myself, theoretically, constantly needing to be stimulated. I drink a lot of coffee. I have always drank Pepsi while growing up. I am not a smoker but lately I have craved a cigarette and I don't know why.

Just wondering what the heck is doing on with my body lately.

Answer 1

Nicotine has been shown to change the brain patterns in smokers so I would assume that the nicotine would also change the smoker's fetuses brain also. Caffeine has no lasting affect on the body that I know of. But studies with monkeys have shown that addictive behavior is hereditary. So even if you weren't exposed in the womb you still might have inherited your mother's addictive tendencies. Studies have shown that it takes only one to three cigarettes to become addicted for life.

Some people lack the ability to break down nicotine that is why they can use them and leave them. It is all in their genes not their will power.

Answer 2

My mother never smoked when I was in the womb, but she was on prescription medication (legally--not Anna Nicole style, now). I have never craved her phenobarbital or depakote, but I have had cravings for cigarettes. So I bought 2 packs, and smoked them in like, 2 weeks. I never got addicted because I'm just weird like that, but I'm sure others have had similar cravings for the most random substances.

Since then, I rarely, if ever, smoke. Unless someone offers me a cigarette, which is extremely rare.

Just give it a try if you want. You're old enough to know when you're getting yourself in too deep, or when you should quit or whatever. One cigarette, or one pack of cigarettes just to quell your craving won't kill you (unless you've got terrible luck).

Answer 3

I would say no, it has to start from the brain first , maybe by seeing a cig, or thinking of a cig, in a round about way the cig comes up more than once, I'm not a Dr... but do your self a big/huge favor don't smoke...

Answer 4

Self-professed Prophecy

Answer 5

I believe that the baby would be addicted later in life like you are experiencing. Caffeine is very addictive and so are the ciggs.

Answer 6

It's possible. Also, now research has found a strong link to addictions in genetics.

Paramedic in SC

Answer 7

Maybe it is an oral fixation that you are going through right now.

Answer 8

ummmm idk.
just dont smoke.
my yia yia died cause she smoked too much.


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