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Other nicotine products

Nicotine is an addictive substance found in cigarettes, vapes and other emerging products.

How nicotine products trick your brain

Nicotine works fast and in a sneaky way.

It races into the lungs, enters blood and reaches the brain within seconds of the first puff of a cigarette, vape or use of other emerging oral nicotine products, including nicotine gummies, toothpicks and pouches.

Nicotine is a chemical that makes you want more and more. It tricks the brain by using the part that makes you feel happy. At first, it feels good, but soon your brain starts to believe you need nicotine to feel OK.

Over time, the body gets used to nicotine and wants it all the time - but it can never get enough. This is nicotine addiction and is why it is so hard to quit.

The longer you smoke or vape, or use other emerging nicotine products, the stronger the cravings for nicotine become.

The good news is that the moment you stop using nicotine, your brain starts to heal and return to normal.

There are proven ways to quit. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and prescribed stop smoking tablets from a doctor can help you beat nicotine addiction.

A woman with black curly hair wearing a which shirt and black apron looks at the mobile phone she is holding while leaning against a brick wall.

Nicotine works fast and reaches the brain within seconds of the first puff of a cigarette, vape or other emerging oral nicotine product.

Learn more about the health effects of other nicotine products

About nicotine pouches

Nicotine addiction explained

Tools to help you quit

Health effects on your body

See how smoking and vaping affects your body.

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Hear why others quit

Audrey standing outside with a handbag over her shoulder

Audrey's story

Audrey started smoking at university, where sharing cigarettes and research papers were common. But after experiencing health issues, Audrey decided to quit and to their surprise, it was easier than first thought.
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Aunty Hazel's story

My name is Aunty Hazel and I’m from Dimboola Victoria. My mob is Wotjobaluk and I am an elder. I had never intended to give up smoking but on the 11th February 2021, that all changed.
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Ernesto’s telling his story

Ernesto’s story

For many people, Valentine’s Day is a day for bunches of roses and chocolates and sometimes a marriage proposal. For Ernesto, it’s memorable for another reason.
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Jayson's Story

Jayson was 35 years old when he experienced a stroke. He lost his independence and relied on his family to do the simplest of things. Here he explains how quitting changed his life.
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Lily's story

By quitting vaping, Lily has experienced a newfound sense of physical and mental freedom, empowering her to embrace a healthier, happier life.
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