Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco and vaping products that makes it hard to quit.
Most vapes contain nicotine, even if nicotine isn’t listed in the ingredients.
When you smoke or vape, the nicotine in these products unlocks a ‘feel-good’ chemical in the brain called dopamine. It is what makes nicotine addictive, because your brain will tell you to keep smoking or vaping to trigger the good feeling again.
The more you smoke or vape, the more nicotine you need to feel good. This is known as nicotine dependence. If you have nicotine dependence and stop vaping, you will likely experience cravings and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tension, headaches and trouble sleeping.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually settle down after 2-4 weeks. Using a quitting medication, like NRT, can reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, and make quitting easier.
Support from NSW Quitline can also help to support you while you are quitting.
Support to quit
Quitline 13 7848
The Quitline team are experts in supporting people to quit smoking and vaping. Call Quitline on 13 7848 to talk to a Counsellor who understands nicotine addiction. Quitline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.
Ask Quitline to call you.
Download an app
There are some apps that can help keep you on track while you’re quitting. View available apps.
Aboriginal health support
Have a yarn to your local health service for quit advice and support. Or call Quitline on 13 7848 and ask to chat to an Aboriginal Counsellor, to help you through quitting.
Talk to your doctor
Your doctor or local health service can provide advice and guidance on ways to quit. They can also talk to you about whether NRT is right for you.