Smoke vs. Nicotine. For some Veterans, nicotine is part of the rhythm of daily life — long shifts, long nights, long memories. What often gets missed in public conversations is a simple, evidence-based distinction: The harm isn’t in the nicotine.The harm is in the smoke. That difference matters.It matters for long-term health.It matters for Veterans…

For years, most conversations about smoking have focused on nicotine, willpower, and “readiness to quit.” Useful, but incomplete. If you work with veterans or other high-stress populations, you already know: cigarettes are not just a chemical habit. They are tied to feelings—calm after chaos, connection with buddies, a moment of control when everything else is…