DID YOU KNOW? — NICOTINE, VAPING & DEPENDENCE
Nicotine can create a powerful cycle of craving, relief and repeated use. This downloadable fact sheet explores why nicotine can become difficult to stop, whether it is being used through cigarettes or vaping.
Inside, you will find an accessible explanation of what nicotine does in the brain, how dependence develops and why cravings are not simply about willpower. The fact sheet looks at common withdrawal experiences such as irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and increased appetite, while also exploring the everyday cues that can trigger an urge to smoke or vape.
There is a clear comparison between smoking and vaping. Vaping exposes people to fewer toxins and at lower levels than smoking and can be used by adults as a tool to stop smoking, but it is not risk-free and people who do not smoke should not start vaping.
The resource also looks at practical ways of understanding and interrupting the craving cycle and signposts NHS stop-smoking support, including behavioural support, nicotine replacement and stop-smoking medicines.
A visual, non-judgemental fact sheet designed to help people understand nicotine dependence, recognise what may be happening in their body and brain, and know that support is available.
