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 / PRESSURE
PRESSURE & CHOICES
Pressure is not always someone shouting “do it”. It can be a dare, a joke, a look, a group going quiet or the feeling that everyone else has already said yes.
You can notice the pressure without letting it make the choice for you.
MEET THE NICOFIENDS
Spot the pressure
These are the purple Pressure Nicofiends from the card game. They show some of the ways other people or a group can start nudging a choice.
Copycat Claw
“Everyone seems to…”
When other people are doing something, copying can feel easier than stopping to ask whether you actually want to.
Go On Gremlin
“Don’t be boring!”
Teasing, repeat asking or turning something into a joke can make a quick yes feel easier than holding your ground.
Crowd Cloud
“Everyone’s doing it.”
A group can make something feel normal even when plenty of people are not doing it at all.
Dare Devil
“Bet you won’t.”
Turning a choice into a challenge can shift the focus from what you want to proving something to somebody else.
WHAT DOES PRESSURE ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
It can be loud. It can also be tiny.
If the easiest way to avoid an awkward moment seems to be saying yes, that still counts as pressure. Spotting it gives you a second to decide what you want.
The dare
“Go on then.” “Bet you won’t.” “Just try it.”
The joke
“Don’t be boring.” “Why are you scared?”
The crowd
Everyone else seems relaxed about it, so saying no suddenly feels like the unusual choice.
The repeat ask
You already answered, but somebody keeps asking until giving in feels easier than repeating yourself.
NICOFRIENDS
You do not owe anyone a big speech
A short answer is enough. So is changing the subject, walking away or getting somebody on your side.
Your Choice
Ask yourself: would I choose this if nobody else was here?
Walk Away
Leaving an awkward moment is allowed. You do not have to stay and win an argument.
Back-Up
A friend, sibling, teacher or youth worker can make it easier when someone keeps pushing.
Pressure Proof
Have one simple phrase ready: “Nah, I’m good”, “Not for me” or just “No thanks”.
Need help with nicotine?
If you are already smoking, vaping or using nicotine, you can get support without being judged.
Need support?
You do not have to work out everything on your own. Pick the option that sounds closest to what is happening.
Want 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 2219Need someone to talk to?Free, confidential support for young people in Wales aged 25 and under.Meic · 0808 80 23456Drugs, 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.