Why Do Vape Cravings Come and Go?
This guide is published by Hey Quitter, a quit vaping app that helps people stop vaping by changing how they think about nicotine, rather than relying on willpower alone.
Vape cravings come and go because they are usually triggered by habits, emotions, and situations rather than constant nicotine withdrawal. Once nicotine has left the body, cravings tend to appear in response to stress, boredom, routine moments, or learned associations. This is why urges can feel unpredictable, even weeks after quitting.
Why vape cravings are not constant
If cravings were caused purely by nicotine withdrawal, they would be steady and predictable.
Instead, most people notice cravings appear suddenly and then disappear again. This happens because cravings are usually cue-based, not driven by the body's ongoing need for nicotine.
Once physical withdrawal passes, cravings are more like reactions than requirements.
The difference between withdrawal and triggers
Physical withdrawal
Nicotine withdrawal:
- Peaks in the first few days
- Gradually reduces within the first week
- Does not switch on and off
Trigger-based cravings
Trigger-based cravings:
- Appear suddenly
- Are linked to specific moments or feelings
- Can disappear just as quickly
Understanding this difference helps explain why cravings feel unpredictable.
For a deeper explanation of this process, see why quitting vaping is so hard.
Common triggers that make cravings appear
Cravings often surface when the brain recognises a familiar pattern.
Common triggers include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Boredom or low stimulation
- After meals
- During breaks
- Social situations
- Fatigue or low mood
These moments were often paired with vaping in the past. When they occur again, the brain expects the same response.
Why cravings can feel random
Cravings can feel random because:
- Triggers are not always obvious
- Emotional states change throughout the day
- Some habits are deeply ingrained
You might not consciously notice the trigger, but the brain still responds automatically.
This can make cravings feel confusing, especially when they appear long after quitting.
How cravings usually change over time
As quitting progresses:
- Triggers lose strength
- The brain stops expecting vaping
- Cravings appear less often
Most people notice cravings become:
- Less frequent
- Less intense
- Easier to ignore
For a stage-by-stage breakdown of this process, see the quit vaping timeline.
What it means when a craving passes on its own
When a craving fades without action, it shows:
- The urge was temporary
- Nicotine was not required
- The brain can adapt
Each time this happens, the learned association weakens. Over time, cravings tend to lose their power altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cravings disappear and then come back later?
Because cravings are linked to situations and emotions, not constant withdrawal.
Does this mean I still want to vape?
Not necessarily. Cravings are learned responses, even when the desire to vape is gone.
Are cravings a sign that quitting is not working?
No. Fluctuating cravings are a normal part of adjustment.
Will cravings eventually stop coming back?
For most people, yes. As habits and beliefs change, cravings usually stop appearing.
Last updated: 5 January 2026