That’s why we’ve compiled the below information and links – all about vaping, tobacco smoking and nicotine, so you can feel empowered and confident to make safe and healthy choices!
This page shares general information to support you to make informed choices. It does not replace medical or clinical advice. We encourage you to reach out to medical professionals for clinical advice.
Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in both cigarettes and vapes (including many vapes that don’t list nicotine as an ingredient).
When your body receives nicotine, receptors in the brain release a feel-good chemical called dopamine. This is what makes nicotine addictive.
The more a person vapes (or smokes), the more their brain and body gets used to nicotine.
Nicotine addiction (or dependence) is where someone starts to need nicotine to feel satisfied or ‘normal’.
Nicotine dependence can develop quickly in some people and more gradually in others.
Some signs of nicotine dependence include:
When you first stop vaping or smoking, you can experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms as the nicotine levels in your bloodstream drop.
People experience nicotine withdrawal differently. Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms experienced by people quitting or cutting back include:
For more information about nicotine dependence and withdrawal, see the NSW Health – Quit Support For Young People factsheet.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a safe, evidence-based and medically approved treatment for quitting vaping or smoking.
Commonly used Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products include:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) works by replacing some of the nicotine that your body would receive from vaping or smoking but at a much lower level and without the other harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke or vapes.
This small and controlled amount of nicotine reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping people to quit or cut back on smoking or vaping.
Nicotine replacement therapies are available over the counter at pharmacies and at supermarkets without a prescription.
Although, we recommend speaking to a doctor, a youth health service or another health service to find out if/what products are right for you and to and to find out if you are eligible to receive low or no cost products.
Nicotine pouches are small packets or sachets containing nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals.
Unlike traditional chewing tobacco, they do not contain tobacco leaf.
Nicotine pouches are placed between the gum and lip, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed through the mouth.
Nicotine pouches can have very high levels of nicotine (up to 20mg of nicotine, which is equal to the nicotine in ~20 cigarettes).
Using nicotine pouches can lead to nicotine poisoning (because of the high level of nicotine!) and/or nicotine dependence.
There is limited evidence on the long-term harms of nicotine pouches because they have only been on the market for a short time. A cautious approach to using nicotine pouches is warranted and recommended, as oral tobacco products are known to cause serious illness, including mouth and throat cancers.
For more information about nicotine pouches see the NSW Health The Facts About Nicotine Pouches – For Young People factsheet.
Too much nicotine can lead to nicotine poisoning (or nicotine toxicity).
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include:
These effects may require medical attention.
More serious and life threatening effects of nicotine poisoning include:
If you are concerned someone has nicotine poisoning, you can call the NSW Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26 for information and support.
If the person is unconscious or having trouble breathing, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
Here are our top picks for support services and information about smoking, vaping or nicotine.
Check out the Support section of our website for a full list of services for drug, alcohol and related wellbeing issues.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact Youth Solutions on 02 4628 2319 or info@youthsolutions.com.au for further information or support! We can connect you to the information and services that you need.
In an emergency or crisis situation always call Triple Zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance and follow instructions.
13 7848 (13 QUIT)
The NSW Quitline is a free telephone service that offers advice, information and counselling to help people to quit smoking or vaping. Aboriginal Quitline counsellors are available, just ask when you call. Professional support is also available in languages other than English.
My QuitBuddy is an app that helps you get, and stay, smoke and vape free. Through the app you can set goals, track your progress and read helpful messages from other people who are on their quitting journey alongside you.
Pave is a free app for young people that was developed in partnership with young people. Pave can help you to quit vaping by letting you set goals and intentions, track and celebrate your progress, reflect on your quit journey, utilise distraction tools when cravings hit and access nicotine cessation information and services.
Interested in learning about our Youth Advisory Group (YAG), the volunteers behind this campaign?
Find out moreNeed some help but not sure where to turn? We can help. Connect with us or visit the Find Support Now page.
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