We have all seen it creeping into social media feeds and popular media: the idea of nicotine as a “wellness” and productivity tool. This unexpected rebrand has relied on podcasters and influencers promoting nicotine pouches, patches, and even drinks as part of a “biohacking” lifestyle—promising sharper focus, improved energy, and enhanced performance.

Tobacco use is often framed as a physical health issue—but its impact on mental health is just as significant. Many patients believe smoking helps manage stress, anxiety, or mood symptoms. In reality, the evidence increasingly shows the opposite: quitting tobacco can meaningfully improve mental well-being across multiple domains.

Dr. Vilardaga and his team are currently recruiting healthcare professionals who work in primary care, mental health, smoking cessation, or community health care settings for their Digital Access Study. The aim of this study is to understand the implementation, access, and utilization of smoking cessation services in clinics and healthcare centers, particularly for people living with mental health conditions.