Nicotine Addiction Treatment
At Drift Behavioral Health in Colorado Springs, we treat nicotine addiction with expert care, flexible programming, and a supportive team you can trust. Whether it’s cigarettes, vapes, or pouches, we provide real solutions and personalized support.
Nicotine Addiction Definition
Nicotine is a stimulant that’s found in tobacco products and many vapes/e-cigarettes. When smoked, it creates a quick feeling of relief in the brain. However, this fades just as quickly, leaving you craving more. While smoking and vaping are often seen as social habits, this is changing as it becomes harder to ignore how bad it is for one’s health.
More people are picking up e-cigarettes. Some turn to them as a way to quit smoking, and others instead of cigarettes altogether (CDC, 2024). But while vaping might feel like a step down from cigarettes, there’s no solid proof yet that it actually helps people quit for good.
Is Nicotine Bad for You?
Nicotine affects nearly every system in the body. From spiking your heart rate to throwing off your blood pressure, it causes more damage than most realise. Regular use impacts brain development and increases the risk of issues like heart disease.
Is Nicotine a Drug?
Nicotine is classified as a drug because it changes brain function and creates dependence. It quickly triggers the brain’s reward system, which is why many people find themselves hooked faster than they expect.
Nicotine Addiction Treatment at Drift Behavioral Health
Our outpatient rehab in Colorado Springs offers tailored treatment for nicotine addiction that fits your schedule. Whether you need daytime structure or evening support, we’ll find the right approach for you.
Partial Hospitalization Program
5–6 days a week, around 5 hours per day
PHP is our most structured outpatient option. It blends group work, individual therapy, medication support, and real-life skills to help reduce cravings and build healthier habits.
Intensive Outpatient Program
3–5 days a week, 3–4 hours per day
IOP gives you strong clinical support while offering more room for work, family, or school. It’s a good step if you need focused help, but with a more flexible setup.
Telehealth Options
Attend all levels of care online via secure Zoom sessions
Get the same quality care from home through secure video sessions that fit your day. Our virtual programs include private therapy, medication support, and regular check-ins.
What You Can Expect in Treatment
Optional 12-Step: Join a recovery group if connecting with others helps you stay grounded. Participation is entirely optional.
Evidence-Based Therapies: Explore cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and other approaches in group and individual sessions.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Our team may recommend safe, approved medications to help manage urges or nicotine withdrawal.
A Trauma-Informed Approach: We create a calming, respectful space where your voice matters and your safety comes first.
Dual Diagnosis Support: If you’re also managing a co-occurring mental health condition, we offer support through coordinated care in dedicated tracks.
Nicotine Effects
- Short-term energy boost followed by fatigue or irritability
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Disruption to sleep patterns and appetite
- Changes in mood, including anxiety and agitation
Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal
Quitting nicotine is often difficult; the withdrawal process brings both physical and emotional symptoms that can be hard to manage without support. Here’s what you can expect:
- Strong cravings for nicotine
- Feelings of irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disruption or vivid dreams
- Increased appetite or weight gain
- Restlessness or nervousness
How Long Does Nicotine Withdrawal Last?
Symptoms often start within a few hours after the last use and peak within two to three days. Most people feel a noticeable difference within one to three weeks, but some effects can linger depending on how much and how long they’ve been using.
Nicotine Vapes vs. Tobacco Smoking
Both vapes and cigarettes deliver nicotine, just in different ways. Vaping feels easier to hide and use more often, especially for teens and young adults. Smoking has long been tied to serious health problems, but vaping is starting to show the same warning signs. What once felt harmless now looks a lot more risky.
The Benefits of Quitting Nicotine
- Improved heart and lung function
- Better sleep and energy levels
- Clearer thinking and reduced anxiety
- Lower risk of chronic illness and disease
Get Comprehensive Treatment for Nicotine Abuse
If you’re ready to kick this habit for good, let us help. At Drift Behavioral Health, we’ll create an effective treatment plan that fits your life. Whether you’re ready to quit vaping, smoking, or both, our team will support you with compassion and clinical experience. Let’s take the first step to a healthier, nicotine-free future together.
FAQs on Nicotine Addiction
Is nicotine harmful to the body?
Yes, it is. Nicotine speeds up your heart, messes with your blood pressure, and changes how your brain functions, especially while it’s still developing. Over time, this strain mounts, affecting your lungs, heart, and emotional health.
What does nicotine do as a drug?
Nicotine alters how your brain handles stress, pleasure, and focus. It triggers a short high that doesn’t last long, which is why many smokers often want more right after they’ve used it.
Is nicotine cancerous?
Nicotine isn’t considered cancer-causing on its own, but it plays a big role in the cycle. It keeps people hooked on products (like cigarettes or vapes) that contain known carcinogens.
Why is nicotine so hard to quit?
It gets into your system fast and rewires how your brain responds to stress or emotion. People often refer to it as a habit, but this downplays the dependence. Nicotine can quickly become something your system relies on.
Is vaping worse than smoking?
Both are harmful in different ways. Vaping may involve fewer known toxins than cigarettes, but it still delivers nicotine, and some products contain other substances we don’t fully understand yet.
Resources and Citations
Latest Resources
- 26/06/2025
Have you ever wondered if a glass of wine really counts as a drug? It’s a fair question, and the answer might surprise you. A drug is any substance that
