this post was submitted on 20 May 2025
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Nicotine is a mild simulant, yes. All of those things are frequently used by people to "self-medicate", but the downsides are obviously pretty steep.
Wait whats the downside to caffeinated drinks?
I believe there are downsides only if you are drinking too much caffeine or if it is in conflict with one of your medications or existing health conditions, afaik.
Healthline weighs the pros and very few cons of caffeine.
Oh ok. Phew.
And most self medication options are pretty bad at the medicating part.
I was under the impression nicotine was on a similar risk profile to caffeine. Are you referring to the tobacco plant in general?
Nicotine in pretty much any amount is cardiotoxic, caffeine (in moderate amounts) is pretty much neutral afaik. They both may or may not be carcinogens depending on the study. Thats pretty much it I think
this is my impression as well regarding nicotine. however, i have noticed people are not interested in examining that and continue to conflate nicotine with cigarettes (high risk) and vaping (misconstrued risk).
i also believe many view a nicotine addiction through a sort of moral lens they don't apply so readily to caffeine.