Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "Can smoking provide energy to the human body?", the reason why I choose that topic because some people consider smoking can provide energy to their body, "It is fascinating to see how suggestion can influence the body. If someone feels energized after smoking, the psychological explanation actually involves a mix of pharmacological effects and psychological aspects, but leans more toward the Placebo effect (positive outcomes from a neutral/unrelated substance).
Here is a thorough breakdown from psychological and neuroscience perspectives:
1. Placebo vs. Nocebo
By definition, this phenomenon falls under the category of the Placebo Effect.
- Placebo: Positive effects (feeling energized) arise due to the user’s belief, even though the substance does not actually provide metabolic energy.
- Nocebo: Conversely, this refers to negative effects (such as feeling dizzy or nauseous) that emerge due to negative expectations.
2. Psychological Perspective: Why Do People Feel "Energized"?
Psychology views this not as mere imagination, but as a result of the following mechanisms:
- Nicotine’s Stimulant Effect: Chemically, nicotine is indeed a mild stimulant. It triggers the release of adrenaline and glucose into the bloodstream. However, this "energy" is illusory and short-lived. People often mistakenly interpret a rapid heartbeat as "extra energy."
- Classical Conditioning: If someone is accustomed to smoking before working, the brain associates the smoking ritual with "time to focus." Once smoke is inhaled, the brain automatically shifts into work mode.
- Withdrawal Symptom Management: For regular smokers, feelings of fatigue are actually symptoms of nicotine deficiency. Smoking only restores them to a "normal" state. Thus, they are not gaining additional energy—they are simply stopping the feeling of being tired.
3. The Role of Expectations and Culture
Cognitive psychology emphasizes the Expectancy Theory. If social or cultural environments instill the narrative that "tobacco is a source of inspiration/strength," individuals will experience confirmation bias. They will ignore feelings of tiredness and only focus on the sense of being "ready to take action" after smoking.
Comparison: Real Energy vs. "Tobacco" Energy
Aspect True Energy (Food/Rest) "Tobacco" Energy (Psychological/Stimulant)
Source Calories & ATP Adrenaline & Dopamine
Impact Restores body cells Borrows future energy (leads to greater fatigue later)
Nature Sustainable Fluctuating (rises quickly, drops quickly)
In conclusion: The "energizing" effect is a placebo reinforced by short-term chemical stimulation. The brain manipulates the body’s perception to make it feel ready for activity, even though biologically, smoking actually increases the heart’s workload and reduces oxygen levels in the blood.
"