New 2025 SHRN data shows regular vaping and smoking have fallen among secondary school learners in Wales. We look at the latest figures, what they mean and why prevention work still matters.
Information / Nicotine addiction
Nicotine addiction: how it works
Nicotine can create dependence whether it comes from cigarettes, vapes or other nicotine products. Regular use changes how the brain responds to nicotine, so stopping can bring cravings and withdrawal.
Nicotine is what keeps people coming back. Burning tobacco is what causes most of the serious harm from smoking.
Last reviewed: 24 September 2026
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Nicotine trains the brain to expect more nicotine.
With repeated use, the brain adapts to nicotine. When nicotine levels fall, cravings and withdrawal can appear. Using nicotine again relieves those feelings for a short time, which can keep the cycle going.
What do you want to know?
Why is nicotine so hard to stop?
Nicotine affects reward pathways in the brain. Repeated use can turn a short-lived effect into dependence, cravings and repeated dosing.
I want to stop smoking
Nicotine dependence is treatable. See quit aids, free NHS support in Wales and practical help for cravings and triggers.
I want to stop vaping
Cut down gradually or choose a quit date, with a plan for cravings and nicotine withdrawal.
I’m worried about a young person
Get practical information for parents and carers on nicotine, vaping, conversations and support.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a stimulant drug found naturally in tobacco. It can be delivered through cigarettes and other tobacco products, most nicotine-containing vapes, nicotine pouches and stop-smoking products such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Nicotine changes signalling in the brain and can create dependence. It can affect alertness, attention and mood for a short time. When regular users go without it, withdrawal can make them feel that nicotine is needed just to feel normal again.
Three things to remember
- Nicotine is addictive. Regular use can lead to dependence and withdrawal.
- Nicotine is not the main cause of smoking-related disease. The greatest harms from cigarettes come from toxic chemicals produced when tobacco burns.
- How nicotine is delivered matters. Cigarettes are far more harmful than licensed NRT, and vaping is less harmful than smoking but is not risk-free.
The nicotine loop
1. Nicotine reaches the brain. It activates receptors and increases activity in reward pathways.
2. The effect fades. Nicotine leaves the body fairly quickly, so the short-lived effect wears off.
3. Withdrawal begins. A dependent person may feel cravings, irritability, restlessness or difficulty concentrating as nicotine levels fall.
4. Another dose brings temporary relief. Smoking, vaping or using another nicotine product can briefly relieve withdrawal, teaching the brain to repeat the behaviour.
Daily routines can become part of the cycle too. Coffee, driving, breaks, stress, social situations and seeing other people use nicotine can all become triggers.
Dependence is more than willpower
When the brain and body have adapted to regular nicotine, stopping can be uncomfortable. Habits and cues can keep pulling someone back at the same time. That is why support, medication or nicotine replacement can make quitting more manageable.
What nicotine withdrawal can feel like
Withdrawal varies from person to person. It is a sign that the body is adjusting to less nicotine, not proof that someone needs to keep smoking or vaping.
Cravings and urges
Strong urges to smoke, vape or use nicotine are common. They can come from withdrawal, routines, emotions or a particular place or situation.
Mood, focus and sleep
Withdrawal can include irritability, restlessness, anxiety or low mood, trouble concentrating, sleep problems and increased appetite. These symptoms usually get easier with time.
How long can withdrawal last?
NHS smoking guidance says withdrawal can begin within hours, is often strongest during the first week and commonly lasts around three to four weeks, though some people feel symptoms for longer. The exact experience varies with the person and the nicotine product they use.
Nicotine comes in very different products
Cigarettes: deliver nicotine through tobacco smoke. Smoking is extremely harmful because burning tobacco creates thousands of chemicals.
Vapes: usually deliver nicotine without burning tobacco. For adults who smoke, switching completely is less harmful than continuing to smoke. People who do not smoke should not start vaping.
Nicotine pouches: deliver nicotine through the lining of the mouth and can lead to dependence.
NRT: patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators and sprays provide nicotine without tobacco smoke and are established stop-smoking treatments.