Understand how addiction works

If you don’t smoke or vape, you may wonder why it can be so difficult to quit.

Tobacco and vapes are addictive because they contain nicotine. This is one of the most addictive chemicals known. It interferes with the brain’s reward system, leading to the release of dopamine.

Dopamine is a “feel good” hormone that can make you feel less stressed for a short while. But once dopamine levels go down again, you get nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Your body craves more nicotine.

Nicotine withdrawal has many effects on people. It can make people feel anxious, angry or upset. They can have difficulty sleeping and find it hard to concentrate. These withdrawal symptoms and cravings make it very difficult for people to quit.

Nicotine addiction is more common for people living with poor mental health. And it can be more common for people from LGBTQIA+ communities or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities.

If someone you care about is addicted to nicotine, there is help available for them. Quitline counsellors can help them make a plan to quit and to reach this goal. Help is also available from doctors and pharmacists. Young people who want to quit may find help from a psychologist beneficial as well.