Key points
- Nicotine is an addictive chemical; it is either extracted from the tobacco plant or created in a lab.
- Common products containing nicotine include cigarettes, vapes, snus and tobacco pouches.
- Vapes labelled ‘nicotine-free’ usually still contain nicotine. That is what makes them so addictive.
- In Australia, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or use tobacco products without a prescription.
- Nicotine can harm brain development in young people under 25 and cause many side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and long-term mental health conditions.
- Nicotine addiction is also called nicotine dependence.
- There are many ways to help teens with nicotine dependence.
- Call an ambulance (000) immediately if your teen is having trouble breathing, or they may have ingested an inedible form of nicotine, such as vape liquid.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a very addictive chemical known as a ‘stimulant.’ It is either extracted from the tobacco plant or created in a lab. Nicotine speeds up messages between the brain and the body. In the short term, it can make a person feel more alert, but when
it wears off, so do the effects. Long-term regular use can cause the body to crave more nicotine and make it harder to stop using it.
It is against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or use tobacco products in Australia without a prescription.
Nicotine products
Cigarettes are the most well-known nicotine product, but there are many others – both legal and illegal. Vapes labelled ‘nicotine-free’ usually still contain some form of nicotine. That is what makes them addictive.
Smoked and inhaled products
Smokeless products
- Snus (pouches with tobacco and nicotine)
- Nicotine pouches (pouches with nicotine only)
- You may know these by the brand name Zyn
- Chewing tobacco
- Sniffing tobacco (snuff)
- Tobacco rubbed on the gums (dip)
- Nicotine gummies.
In Australia, it is illegal to buy any smokeless tobacco products.
Risks of nicotine for teens
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. It is especially harmful to the developing brains of young people; regular use can cause lasting problems with memory, learning, and concentration.
Other effects of nicotine can include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Cough (with smoked and inhaled products)
- Nicotine dependence
- Increased heart rate and risk of heart attacks
- Vision problems
- Changes to sense of taste and smell
- Long-term mental health conditions
- Nicotine poisoning (nic sick) from too much nicotine in the body – this is a medical emergency.
There are also other risks linked to nicotine products.
- Smokeless products can cause mouth and nose pain, such as sores and burning gums
- Vaping can damage the lungs
- Cigarettes can cause various heart and lung issues, greatly increase the risk of many cancers and lead to other serious health problems.
Call an ambulance (000) immediately if your teen is having trouble breathing or if you think they have ingested an inedible form of nicotine, such as vape liquid.
Nicotine dependence
Signs of nicotine dependence
Health professionals describe nicotine addiction as ‘nicotine dependence.’ It happens with regular nicotine use, as the body adjusts to the effects of nicotine and needs more to get the same feelings. Over time, it gets harder to live without.
If your teen has nicotine dependence, they may:
- have intense nicotine cravings as soon as they wake up
- constantly think about their next dose of nicotine
- start avoiding certain places or situations where they cannot use nicotine
- pull away from family or friends.
When they do not have nicotine, they may have withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- acting moody or irritated
- feeling anxious and jittery
- trouble concentrating
- problems sleeping.
Help for teens with nicotine dependence
It is never too late for people to quit nicotine. Even heavy nicotine users who quit before age 30 can reverse almost all physical harms from using the substance.
If your teen asks for support in giving up nicotine, speak with them openly and listen without judgment. Shaming them for their behaviours may only push them away. It is best to ask your teen what they need – whether that is specialist counselling, advice
from a doctor, or resources from a trusted source like Quitline. They should feel in control of their quitting journey.
Teens with nicotine dependence may find it easier to quit with nicotine
replacement therapy (NRT). Products like patches and gum reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They are safe for people over 12 years old. Your teen should only use these products with advice and support from a health professional.
It is normal for your teen to feel embarrassed to tell you what they are going through. They may not even realise or understand how dependent they are on nicotine. Avoid pressuring them; instead, build a strong relationship so they feel safe to come to
you if they need help.
Advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teens
There are support services available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teens who need help to quit nicotine. Many are run by mob and Community.
- Aboriginal Quitline: Help to quit smoking and vaping.
- Your teen can call 13 78 48 and ask for an Aboriginal counsellor, or fill out the form on their website to request a callback.
- If your teen is 16 or older, they can join Quitline’s Facebook pages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to quit smoking and vaping.
- Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS): Your local TIS team can support you and your teen.
- WellMob: You or your teen can visit WellMob online for resources to help them stay on track.
- Community support – Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS): Your teen can get support from VAHS through their health initiative, The Koori Way. They can also call 03 9419 3000.
Helping your teen with nicotine use
Young people learn from those around them. One of the best ways to help your teen avoid nicotine is to model healthy behaviour. If you use nicotine, try to cut down or quit.
Avoid using nicotine products around your teen. Never vape or smoke cigarettes inside the house, car, or other places where children are nearby. Even passive mist from vapes and smoke from cigarettes can harm others.
It is illegal to smoke or vape in cars with children under the age of 16 in most Australian states.
Common questions about nicotine
How long does nicotine stay in the body?
The effects of nicotine can last anywhere between minutes and hours, depending on the dose and frequency of use. For example, someone who does not usually smoke may feel the effects of nicotine for longer.
Doctors can find traces of nicotine in urine and blood for days after it was last consumed.
Does nicotine cause cancer?
Many nicotine products are scientifically proven to increase the risk of many different cancers. There is no current research linking nicotine itself directly to cancer, however many of the other ingredients in the products cause cancer. For example,
smoking cigarettes causes black tar to stick to the lungs; this increases the risk of lung cancer.
What is nicotine poisoning?
Nicotine poisoning happens when someone gets sick from having too much nicotine. Using a nicotine product too much in a short time can cause nicotine poisoning, but people can also get it from accidentally swallowing vaping liquid or spilling
it on the skin. Some symptoms of nicotine poisoning include agitation; nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain; drooling and sweating; feeling dizzy; and rapid or uneven heartbeat. In serious cases, nicotine poisoning can lead to seizures and even
death.
Is smokeless tobacco legal in Australia?
It is illegal to buy or sell all smokeless tobacco products. This ban includes products such as snus, nicotine pouches, and chewing tobacco. Nicotine gum, patches, and mouth spray are legal to buy for those over age 18 as they are classed as ‘stop
smoking aids.’
Are oral nicotine products healthier than cigarettes?
All nicotine products are harmful. Scientists do not know enough about the long-term risks of vaping yet to understand if it is more or less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. This is because it has not been around long enough. The same
applies to nicotine pouches – there are not enough studies about their risks. There is evidence that nicotine products like chewing tobacco and snuff are just as bad as smoking, if not worse.
How can I quit nicotine?
There are many support services available for adults who want to quit nicotine. You could start by speaking with your doctor or a Quitline counsellor. Quitline also runs a free app called ‘My QuitBuddy.’
It is hard to give up nicotine; try to remind yourself of your reasons for quitting. Making this change will improve your health and set a good example for your teen.
For more information
Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Respiratory department, with input from Adolescent Medicine. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed January 2026
Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.