Why do vape cravings feel worse after work?

Last updated: 6 January 2026

Vape cravings often feel worse after work because the brain associates the end of the working day with relief and reward. If vaping was previously linked to switching off, the brain triggers cravings when work finishes, even without physical nicotine need.

Infographic showing post-work craving triggers

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 after work is a strong trigger

After work represents:

A change in pace
Emotional release
A long-standing routine

If vaping was part of that transition, the brain expects it again. This is explained further in our guide on why quitting vaping is so hard.

Why tiredness plays a role

Mental fatigue lowers resistance to habits.

Cravings feel louder when energy is depleted, even if they are not stronger.

Why this improves with time

As new post-work routines form, the association weakens.

The brain gradually stops linking relief with vaping. For a complete approach to quitting, see our guide on how to quit vaping.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I crave vaping after work?

After-work cravings occur because the brain associates the end of the workday with relief and reward. If vaping was part of that transition, the brain expects it again, even without physical nicotine need.

Does tiredness make vape cravings worse?

Yes, mental fatigue lowers resistance to habits. Cravings feel louder when energy is depleted, even if they are not actually stronger.

Will after-work cravings go away?

Yes, as new post-work routines form, the association between finishing work and vaping weakens. The brain gradually stops linking relief with vaping.

Hey Quitter Team

Science-backed guidance to help you quit vaping for good.