Why Do Vape Cravings Feel Worse in Week 2?
This guide is published by Hey Quitter, an independent quit vaping app focused on habit change and mindset understanding.
Vape cravings can feel worse in week 2 because physical withdrawal has mostly ended, but mental habits and routines are still active. Without clear physical symptoms to explain them, cravings may feel confusing or more psychological during this stage.
Introduction
Week 2 often surprises people.
They expect cravings to fade once nicotine withdrawal improves, yet urges can still appear strongly.
What changes in week 2
By week 2:
- Nicotine is largely gone
- Physical symptoms improve
- Mental associations remain
Cravings now come primarily from habit and expectation.
Why cravings feel confusing in week 2
Without physical discomfort, cravings can feel harder to explain.
People may wonder why they still want to vape when their body no longer needs nicotine.
Why habits drive cravings now
The brain has not yet fully updated its routines.
Familiar moments still trigger the expectation of vaping, even though the chemical dependence has passed.
This is explained further in the quit vaping timeline.
Why this stage is normal
Week 2 is often where people realise quitting is more about mindset than willpower.
This shift is a key part of long-term success. Learn more in the how to quit vaping guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I still crave vaping in week 2?
Because mental habits and routines are still active even though nicotine has left your body. Cravings now come from learned associations, not physical need.
Is it normal for cravings to feel confusing in week 2?
Yes. Without physical symptoms to explain them, cravings can feel harder to understand. This is a normal part of the transition to habit-based cravings.
Does week 2 mean quitting is about mindset?
Often, yes. Week 2 is when many people realise that understanding cravings works better than fighting them with willpower.
Last updated: 7 January 2026