Yes!! I am all for using nicotine. Protects our cells in a few different ways. Cigarettes are not ideal, I guess.

Cardiovascular issues and COPD aside (so quite a risk still), it is less risky for us and just the nicotine is good for us. Lower incidence of (long) cancer, while about 60% of BP people smoke and about 80% of those with SZ. SZA/BP probably right in the middle (as with pretty much everything).

I other words, most likely, our cells die so fast, sometimes together with an overactive immune system, that cancer has little chance. Somewhat analogous to how more evolutionary pressure, less likelihood of survival, will lead to fitter descendants (analogy might not be that perfect because evolution will in (Darwinian) theory stall with too much pressure, while our cells shouldn't change when dividing or through damage).

When manic, I absolutely need to smoke or use nicotine gum. Continuous smoking works as good as 300-400 mg quetiapine I think or a similarly considerable amount of haloperidol. Not as good as a mood stabiliser. It works a bit like both. Combine with lots of caffeine to stay in control (longer).

However, since there are probably many different genetic and biochemical changes that (together with stress and/or substance abuse) cause BP and SZ, it might not be for everyone.

It also makes me feel less guilty because of the astronomical excise duty levied.