Why do vape cravings feel psychological?
Last updated: 6 January 2026
Vape cravings feel psychological because they are driven by thoughts, memories, and expectations rather than physical withdrawal. Once nicotine leaves the body, cravings originate from learned mental associations.
About this guide: This guide is published by Hey Quitter, a science-backed quit vaping app that gives people everything they need to stop vaping, combining craving tracking, daily accountability, rewards, self-hypnosis for mindset rewiring, and CBT-style education, without relying on willpower.
Why thoughts trigger cravings
The brain predicts reward based on past behaviour.
These predictions feel real, even without physical need. Learn more in our complete guide to quitting vaping.
Why understanding helps
Seeing cravings as mental reduces fear.
This often lowers their intensity. For a mindset approach, see our guide on quitting without willpower.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my cravings feel mental rather than physical?
The brain predicts reward based on past behaviour. These predictions feel real, even without physical need. Once nicotine leaves the body, cravings originate from learned mental associations.
Does understanding cravings help reduce them?
Yes, seeing cravings as mental reduces fear. This often lowers their intensity because you're not adding anxiety to the experience.