We all have different reasons for quitting smoking or vaping. Discover your reason.
Why quitQuitting is a journey and, with the right plan and support, you can achieve your goal.
How to quitQuitting can take practice. Keep up your quitting journey to break free from smoking or vaping for good.
Staying quitTalking to someone about quitting can be challenging, but with the right information you can help them take positive action for their wellbeing.
Helping othersSpeak directly with a trained quit counsellor. Our team are available to provide confidential and free support, a quit plan tailored just for you, and answer all your questions.
Call 13 7848Access our comprehensive suite of tools and tactics designed to help you quit smoking successfully. From quit plans to cost calculators, find the support you need on your journey to becoming smoke-free.
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Last updated March 2025
Read time 4 minutes
Nicotine is an addictive substance that causes the urge to smoke. What's going on behind the scenes?
Usually if you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day or have a cigarette in the first half hour after waking up, you have a nicotine addiction that is significant enough to give you some real trouble when quitting.
The My Quit Plan tool includes questions that will give you a better idea of why you smoke. Give it a try.
If you are addicted to nicotine, you'll have feelings of nicotine withdrawal when you stop smoking. Feelings of withdrawal can start within hours of your last cigarette, and can include strong cravings, being easily upset, frustrated or irritated, and finding it harder to focus or sleep.
If you smoke, over time your brain has made more receptors that respond to nicotine. These receptors eagerly await incoming nicotine. Think of nicotine as a key, and receptors as little locks. When the nicotine unlocks these receptors, a feel-good chemical called dopamine is released, perhaps giving you a little “hit” or “buzz”. This doesn’t last long. The nicotine soon fades making the receptor eager for more. Cue nicotine withdrawal and cigarette cravings!
Two proven quitting methods really work on the nicotine addiction. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and prescribed stop smoking tablets.
Watch the video below for more information on how nicotine addiction works.
NRT provides you with lower levels of nicotine, which locks on to some (but not all) of your nicotine receptors. To put it simply, NRT takes the edge off cravings.
Nicotine patches provide a slow, steady level of nicotine over a long period. NRT such as mouth spray, gum and lozenges give a faster delivery of nicotine that can help you get past short, strong cravings.
Most people who smoke need combination therapy: patches PLUS a faster-acting form of NRT.
You can buy nicotine patches a discounted price with a prescription from your doctor.
The video below explains how nicotine replacement products work.
If you visit your doctor, you can get a prescription for prescribed stop smoking tablets. These tablets can help to reduce feelings of nicotine withdrawal such as cravings, feeling irritable or frustrated and finding it hard to focus. They may also make smoking seem less rewarding. You can buy these tablets at a discounted price with a PBS prescription from your doctor.
Prescribed stop smoking tablets will not stop all cravings entirely but they will work on nicotine addiction. This makes it easier for you to focus on habits and routines; stress and smoking; and social situations and alcohol.
You are more likely to stop smoking for good when you use prescribed stop smoking tablets with Quitline counselling.
Speak directly with a trained quit specialist. Our counsellors are available to provide immediate support, personalised quit plans, and answer all your questions.
Get in contact with Quit
If you smoke, over time your brain makes receptors that are eager for nicotine.
