How does nicotine affect the brain?

I'm curious to know, how exactly does nicotine affect the brain? Does it have any long-term consequences or is it solely a short-term stimulant? What are the neurological changes that occur when someone consumes nicotine, and how does it compare to other stimulants? Additionally, are there any studies that have specifically looked into the effects of nicotine on the developing brain of adolescents? I'd love to understand the science behind it.