Nicotine information

Overview

Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound that is found in tobacco plants. Many products contain nicotine, including cigarettes, vapes, cigars, chewing tobacco, wet and dry snuff, nicotine pouches (e.g., Zyn), pipe tobacco and more. Because of its addictive properties, nicotine can be difficult to quit. However, there are a number of resources available that can help.

Quitting nicotine

There are many reasons someone may choose to quit nicotine, including addressing health concerns, finances or relationships.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

• Creating a detailed plan before you quit increases your likelihood of success.
• Using stress management and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, exercising and engaging in joyful activities can help prevent relapse.
• Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as the patch, gum and/or cough drops can reduce withdrawal symptoms and help minimize cravings.
• People are most successful at quitting nicotine products when they combine NRT or other pharmaceutical aids with cessation counseling and support.
• While cravings can be tough, they actually don’t last more than 1 – 5 minutes. Having a distraction such as a mobile game or a Rubik’s Cube can help until the craving passes.

Nicotine coaching

Coaching can help you create a detailed plan before you quit, including setting a start date, determining if you want to use a quit-aid and identifying potential triggers.

Health Promotion at CU Boulder offers free nicotine coaching appointments.

Schedule a nicotine coaching appointment 

Support apps

Did you know that there are apps that can help you quit nicotine? Here are a few to try.

   Please note: Data collection varies by app.