Which stimulant is noted for its powerful addictive properties, even more so than cocaine and heroin?

Nicotine is indeed known for its powerful addictive properties and is considered to be more addictive than both cocaine and heroin based on various studies. This is largely attributed to how nicotine affects the brain's reward pathways, leading to rapid reinforcement of behavior. When nicotine is smoked or vaped, it quickly reaches the brain, causing a release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which enhances the feeling of pleasure and reinforces the act of tobacco use. The rapid onset of these effects contributes to its high potential for addiction.

The comparability of nicotine's addictive nature to that of other substances like cocaine and heroin is often grounded in the frequency of use and the physiological and psychological dependence it can create. Many individuals who use nicotine products struggle with cessation despite being aware of the health risks, which highlights its potency as an addictive substance.