Two new ASH Wales/YouGov reports provide fresh evidence on tobacco and vape regulation and smoking-related inequalities in social housing in Wales.
NICOFIENDS / PRESSURE
WHO'S MAKING THE CHOICE?
Sometimes pressure sounds like “go on”. Sometimes it looks like a trend, a joke, a group chat or the feeling that everyone else is doing it.
Spot the Nicofiend. Give yourself ten seconds. Make the choice yours.
Pressure has more than one voice.
MEET THE PRESSURE CREW
Pressure can come from people, feelings, feeds and even the product itself.
Pressure is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like fitting in, boredom, stress, curiosity, hype or the feeling that something is normal because you keep seeing it.
“Everyone seems to...”
Copycat Claw
Makes copying other people feel like the easiest way to fit in.
“Just one more...”
Sticky Fiend
Shows how cravings can start nudging the choice once nicotine gets involved.
“Nothing else to do”
Boredom Beast
Makes trying something seem tempting just to fill a dull moment.
“Don't be boring!”
Go On Gremlin
Uses teasing, dares and awkward moments to make a quick yes feel easier.
“It's everywhere...”
Trend Trapper
Turns repeated posts, videos and products into the feeling that something is normal.
“Wonder what it's like...”
Curious Critter
Makes curiosity feel like a reason to try something before you have really decided.
“Maybe this will help...”
Worry Wobble
Shows up when stress or nerves make a quick fix look tempting.
“This looks amazing!”
Hype Hound
Makes excitement and big reactions feel more convincing than the facts.
“Look at me. I look fun.”
Flashpack Fiend
Uses bright packaging, style and image to make nicotine products look harmless or fun.
STOP. CHECK. CHOOSE.
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Three questions can change the moment.
You do not need to say them out loud. Give yourself ten seconds.
Do I want this?
If nobody was watching, would your answer stay the same?
What's pushing me?
A person? A trend? Stress? Boredom? Curiosity? Name the nudge.
Can I give it ten seconds?
You can wait, say no, move away, change the subject or decide later.
The trick is spotting what is pushing you before it starts choosing for you.
YOUR MOVE
You do not owe anyone a big speech.
Short answers count. Pick the move that sounds most like you.
“Nah, I'm good.”Short. Clear. Finished.
“Not for me.”You can leave it there.
Change the subjectMove the moment on without turning it into a debate.
Walk awayYou can leave a situation that feels uncomfortable.
Get backupMessage someone you trust or go and find them.
Decide laterBeing rushed is a good reason to wait.
SPOT THE NICOFIEND
What is really happening here?
Try spotting the pressure before you pick your move.
“Don't be boring!”
A friend holds out a vape and keeps pushing after you hesitate.
Spot it: Go On Gremlin. Your move: “Nah, I'm good,” then move on.
“It's everywhere...”
Your feed is full of people showing nicotine products and it starts to feel like everybody is doing it.
Spot it: Trend Trapper. Your move: pause and ask whether seeing something a lot makes it your choice.
“Wonder what it's like...”
You are tempted mostly because you want to know what trying it feels like.
Spot it: Curious Critter. Your move: curiosity does not have to make the decision for you.
“Maybe this will help...”
You have had a rough day and somebody says a vape will help you switch off.
Spot it: Worry Wobble. Your move: give yourself another option first - text someone, get outside or take ten minutes.
“Just one more...”
You have already tried nicotine and now the thought of having it again keeps popping up.
Spot it: Sticky Fiend. Your move: cravings are a sign to get support, not a reason to keep going.
ALREADY TRIED IT?
That does not lock in your next choice.
Trying nicotine once does not mean you have to do it again. If it is starting to feel hard to control, talk to an adult you trust and ask for support.
THE NICOFIEND IS THE NUDGE. NOT YOU.
You can change your mind. You can leave. You can ask for help. You can make a different choice next time.
ONE THING TO TAKE WITH YOU
Notice the nudge. Name it. Choose your move.
Whether it is hype, pressure, boredom, curiosity, stress or cravings, spotting the Nicofiend gives you more space to choose for yourself.