Nicotine

What is nicotine? 

Nicotine is a  chemical compound found naturally in tobacco. It is also in many vaping products and is present in smaller amounts in Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) which is used to help people stop smoking.

When someone smokes a cigarette, nicotine is breathed in as part of the smoke that comes from burning tobacco.

When a person vapes, the nicotine is inhaled as a part of the aerosol (vapour) that comes from heating the vape liquid.

When smoked or vaped, nicotine goes to a person’s brain very quickly and releases chemicals that affect their mood, appetite and memory.

Effects of nicotine

Nicotine activates parts of the brain that makes a person feel happy or rewarded. It is what makes nicotine addictive.

Some people will start craving nicotine after smoking just a few cigarettes, or after regular vaping. This is what makes it hard to quit smoking and vaping.

Nicotine itself does not cause cancer. It is the burning of tobacco that produces toxins and causes most of the harm.

Nicotine can have side effects, including:

• An increase in heart rate and blood pressure when smoked or vaped. Long term this can lead to high blood pressure and damage to blood vessels.
• Nausea and vomiting. People who smoke or vape regularly may be used to nicotine and do not feel this as much.

Nicotine addiction

Addictions can have negative impacts on the physical, mental, financial and spiritual health of a person and their whānau.

Someone who is dependent on nicotine will find it really hard to quit, and cutting down may lead to withdrawal symptoms. More about cravings and withdrawal.

People who smoke or vape may do it because it makes them feel better or less stressed. Smoking or vaping can temporarily ease the feelings of irritability and stress that come from nicotine withdrawal. But this relief doesn’t last long, and the symptoms soon come back, often adding to stress over time. Learn more about smoking and stress.

Nicotine for smoking cessation 

Nicotine can be used safely to help people to stop smoking through NRT). NRT provides a lower dose of nicotine than in cigarettes or vapes. Most people find it easy to stop NRT once they have stopped smoking. More about NRT.

Vaping is another tool that can be used to stop smoking. It’s recommended you try other medications such as NRT before you try vaping. 

Vaping is not for people who do not smoke, or for children and young people. 

Vaping is a way to quit cigarettes by getting nicotine with fewer of the toxins that come from burning tobacco. It is not harm free, and the long term effects are not yet known. 

People should aim to quit vaping once they’ve stopped smoking. Gradually reducing the nicotine concentration of your vape can help avoid long-term dependence on vaping. Learn more about vaping

Who should not use nicotine

People who do not smoke should not use nicotine.

Nicotine is potentially harmful to unborn babies, newborns and children. People who are pregnant should also aim to be smokefree and nicotine-free. Learn more about smoking and pregnancy. Support services are available throughout Aotearoa to help you explore your options.

More about nicotine

The following video from the NZ Drug Foundation and Whārarau contains more information about nicotine.

Getting support

A free quit coach is a way of getting support from a professional who can increase your chances of quitting for good. They can chat with you about the different options for tackling the nicotine cravings, and provide support and encouragement throughout your quit journey.