Quitting smoking is notoriously difficult—and for good reason. Nicotine isn’t just habit-forming; it rewires how your brain processes pleasure, stress, and even memory. But what if a pair of unlikely medications—atropine and scopolamine—could dampen withdrawal symptoms and cravings by targeting the very receptors nicotine messes with? Let’s explore this fascinating, though controversial, approach to smoking cessation. How Nicotine Hooks Your Brain Nicotine works by mimicking a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, activating receptors in the brain that trigger alertness, calmness, and reward. … Continue reading →