Can Nicotine gum be used to enhance short term cognitive abilities? I'm a non-smoker (& a college student).

Question

Can Nicotine gum be used to enhance short term cognitive abilities? I'm a non-smoker (& a college student). I know that many of my colleagues use cigs to focus before exams/study and what not. I was curious whether nicotine replacement therapy (specially nicotine gum) would have the same therapeutic effect without all the carcinogens? In regards to short term memory and CNS stimulation. (Basically is Nicotine gum a viable study aid for a non smoker).

Answer 1

Nicotine doesn't help them focus, it isn't a wonder drug. It helps them focus because they're addicted and can't focus without nicotine.

Edit: Post hoc ergo propter hoc - "after this because of this" - is not good logic.