RESEARCH ALERT
Some vapes use added chemicals to create a cold or icy feeling. New research has raised concerns about three of them: WS-23, WS-3 and WS-5. We do not yet know how common they are in Wales.
NICOFIENDS / FEELINGS
FEELINGS & EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Sometimes the nudge is not another person. It can be boredom, worry, curiosity or feeling left out. Those feelings are real. The Nicofiend bit is when the feeling starts trying to make the choice for you.
Notice the feeling. Name the nudge. Give yourself another option.
MEET THE NICOFIENDS
Spot the nudge
Each Nicofiend gives a pressure, feeling, message or craving a face, so it is easier to spot and talk about. The Nicofiend is the pressure, never the person.
Boredom Beast
“Go on… make it interesting.”
Boredom can make trying something feel like the fastest way to change the moment.
Worry Wobble
“Maybe this will help…”
Stress or worry can make nicotine look like a quick fix, especially if using it has become linked with taking a break.
Curious Critter
“Wonder what it’s like…”
Curiosity is normal. You can be curious about a product without having to try it yourself.
Left-Out Lurker
“Join in or miss out.”
Feeling left out can make joining in seem like the quickest way back into the group.
WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON?
Why can nicotine feel like it helps?
If someone uses nicotine regularly, the body starts expecting it. As nicotine levels fall, withdrawal can bring irritability, restlessness, anxiety, low mood or trouble concentrating.
The feeling is real
Stress, boredom, worry or feeling left out are real feelings. You do not need to dismiss them.
Nicotine can muddy the picture
Using nicotine again can briefly ease withdrawal, which can make it feel calming even when part of what it is relieving is nicotine withdrawal itself.
A quick fix can become a pattern
If nicotine becomes the thing you reach for every time a feeling shows up, the feeling and the habit can start getting tied together.
NICOFRIENDS
What can you do next?
The NicoFriends are the moves that give you more space to choose. You do not need a perfect comeback or a massive plan.
Pause
Give yourself ten seconds before doing anything. A feeling can be loud without needing an instant answer.
Name it
“I’m bored”, “I’m worried”, “I feel left out”. Naming what is happening can make the choice clearer.
Do Something Else
Move, message someone, get outside, have a drink, put music on or change where you are.
Talk to Someone
A friend, family member, teacher, youth worker or another adult you trust can help you work out what is actually going on.
If this sounds like you
If smoking, vaping or nicotine is becoming something you use when you feel stressed, worried, bored or low, you can ask for help now. You do not have to wait until it feels serious.
Need support?
You do not have to work out everything on your own. Pick the option that sounds closest to what is happening.
Need someone to talk to?Free, confidential support for young people in Wales aged 25 and under.Meic · 0808 80 23456Want help to stop smoking or vaping?Support is available without judgement. Smoking support from age 12+; vaping support is available too.Get help to stop · 0800 085 2219Drugs, alcohol or an unknown substance?Free, confidential drug and alcohol advice, 24/7.DAN 24/7 · 0808 808 2234Illegal products or underage sales?Report illegal tobacco, vapes, cannabis/THC products or underage sales. Anonymous. No proof needed.Report anonymouslyUrgent health advice?Use NHS 111 Wales for urgent health advice.Call 111
Where next?
Keep exploring another Nicofiends area, get support, or head back to the campaign.