Tobacco Dependence

Key facts

• Tobacco dependence is more than a habit: nicotine binds rapidly to brain receptors, triggering dopamine release and a cycle of craving, use and withdrawal that willpower alone rarely overcomes.
• The most effective quit attempts combine behavioural support with medicine; most people who try to stop without support relapse within days.
• Bupropion, an antidepressant that also dampens nicotine cravings, is one established option, started one to two weeks before the quit date; browse the range under addiction recovery.
• Withdrawal peaks in the first one to two weeks and eases over a month.

Breaking the nicotine cycle

Nicotine acts fast on the brain's reward pathways, which is why cravings feel so hard to resist. Pairing behavioural support with medicine gives the best results. Bupropion reduces cravings by acting on dopamine and noradrenaline pathways and is typically started one to two weeks before the planned quit date so that it reaches steady levels before cravings peak. The full range sits under addiction recovery.

Managing withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms, irritability, poor concentration and strong urges to smoke, are most intense in the first one to two weeks and gradually ease over a month. Keeping a consistent routine, identifying personal triggers, and having a support plan alongside medicine improves long-term success far more than medicine alone.

When to seek help

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about a quit plan before you stop, and seek advice if cravings or low mood are overwhelming, since combining support with medicine works best.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.