Medicines for Nicotine addiction

What it is

Nicotine addiction is dependence on nicotine, the highly addictive chemical in tobacco (and in most vapes). Nicotine acts quickly on the brain, producing pleasurable feelings and relief of cravings, and the body and brain adapt so that stopping causes withdrawal symptoms — irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, low mood, and strong cravings — which drive continued use. This is why smoking is so hard to quit despite people knowing the serious harms of tobacco, which is a leading preventable cause of illness and early death (through heart disease, many cancers, lung disease and more). Vaping is far less harmful than smoking and is used by many as a way to quit tobacco, but it still delivers addictive nicotine and is not recommended for people who do not already smoke, particularly young people. Understanding addiction as a treatable dependence, not a lack of willpower, is important.

How it is treated

Quitting is one of the best things a person can do for their health, and — crucially — the right support dramatically increases success. The most effective approach combines behavioural support (such as local stop-smoking services, which greatly improve the odds) with treatments that reduce cravings and withdrawal: nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges and sprays), certain prescribed medicines, and, for smokers, switching to vaping as a quitting aid. Combining these works better than willpower alone. Setting a quit date, identifying triggers, and having a plan for cravings all help, and lapses are common and not a failure — many people succeed after several attempts. The health benefits of stopping begin within hours and continue for years. For people who vape and want to stop, gradually reducing nicotine strength and using support also helps. The key message is that effective help is available and makes quitting far more achievable.