326. The psychology of nicotine

326. The psychology of nicotine

Nicotine is everywhere - but not in the way we once knew it. It’s not just in cigarettes anymore. It’s in sleek vapes, tiny pouches, lozenges, gum, even diffusers marketed as 'wellness'. And somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like a vice and started looking... aesthetic. Clean. Even, normal.
In today’s episode, we unpack the ever-present boom of nicotine and what it reveals about our generation’s relationship with coping, craving, and control. Because this isn’t just about addiction - it’s about soothing anxiety, chasing focus, managing overstimulation, and the ways we self-medicate under pressure.

We explore:

  • Nicotine as a stimulant and a coping mechanism
  • Levels of conformity and links to the ‘in-group’
  • How nicotine got rebranded for a new generation
  • The role of dissonance in maintaining the cycle
  • How to break the bad habit loop

Whether you’ve used nicotine yourself or just want to understand why it’s seems like everyone has a vape – this episode is for you.

ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaksot(382)

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236. How to make hard decisions

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234. I had a mental breakdown

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233. Surviving a toxic workplace

233. Surviving a toxic workplace

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24 Syys 202445min

232. Why do we hate criticism?

232. Why do we hate criticism?

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231. 5 ways to reinvent yourself in your 20s

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230. The psychology of flirting

230. The psychology of flirting

Flirting! Usually thought of as something used to express romantic or physical interest may actually be the secret to unlocking more connections than you can ever imagine: platonic and romantic. In to...

12 Syys 202441min

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