How do I know if I’m addicted to nicotine?

So, you’ve been wondering if you might be addicted to nicotine. Maybe it started as a social thing—vaping with friends, smoking on breaks, or just liking the calm it brings. But lately, that little voice in your head is asking, “Wait… do I actually need this now?”

You’re not alone. Millions of people have been in the same boat. Nicotine can sneak up on you because it’s both habit-forming and physically addictive. It changes how your brain releases dopamine, that feel-good chemical tied to reward and pleasure. Pretty soon, your brain starts saying, “Hey, where’s my boost?” every few hours.

So, how do you know if you’ve crossed the line from “I like it” to “I need it”? Here are a few questions to think about:

• Do you crave nicotine at specific times, like right after a meal or first thing in the morning?

• Have you tried cutting back and found yourself irritable or distracted?

• Do you feel uneasy if you don’t have your vape or cigarettes nearby?

• Are you using more nicotine than you used to just to feel the same effect?

If those sound familiar, you may have built a dependence. It doesn’t mean you lack willpower—it means your body and brain have adapted to regular nicotine use. The good news: awareness is the first step. You’re already doing something important by asking the question and looking for help. Feeling unsure about your nicotine use is often the first sign you’re ready for a change, even if you’re not 100% sure you’re “addicted” yet.