In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that comes up all the time with my clients and listeners: vaping and nicotine addiction in adults with ADHD. I’m joined by Dr. Marc Picot—GP, health coach, former vaper, and founder of Vape Escape—who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to this conversation. Together, we unpack why ADHD brains are especially vulnerable to nicotine, how vaping can feel like self-medication, and what’s really happening with dopamine, focus, and emotional regulation behind the scenes.

Dr. Marc also shares practical, compassionate insights for anyone who’s tried to quit (and maybe relapsed more than once), including what withdrawal can look like for ADHDers, how vaping can interfere with ADHD medication, and why shame has no place in the quitting process. Whether you’re thinking about quitting, actively trying, or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with clarity, validation, and hope—without judgment or quick fixes.

Dr. Marc Picot is a vaping cessation expert, GP (family physician), health coach, and former vaper. After becoming addicted to vaping during a period of depression, he turned his personal experience into a passion for helping others quit. He is the founder of Vape Escape, a digital support service for people struggling with vaping addiction, and the author of The Last Puff. Dr. Marc now works with individuals worldwide, combining medical expertise with compassionate, practical guidance to support long-term recovery from nicotine dependence.

 

Episode Highlights:

[0:36] – Welcoming Dr. Marc Picot and why vaping is such a big issue for adults with ADHD
 [1:52] – The brain chemistry connection: dopamine, norepinephrine, and ADHD
 [4:58] – Vaping as self-medication and why it “works” in the short term
 [7:02] – How nicotine peaks and crashes worsen ADHD symptoms over time
 [8:29] – Why vaping can make ADHD medication feel less effective
 [11:06] – Dr. Marc’s personal story: depression, withdrawal, and fear of relapse
 [12:57] – Different ways to quit: cold turkey vs. gradual nicotine reduction
 [18:45] – Cravings, dopamine, and finding healthier pattern interrupts
 [22:39] – What the first week without vaping is really like
 [26:01] – Relapse, shame, and why most people don’t quit on the first try
 [29:37] – Common mistakes when quitting and the power of education
 [32:07] – Dr. Marc’s book The Last Puff and who it’s for
[33:59] – Final advice for ADHDers struggling with vaping

 

Links & Resources

• Vape Escape: https://vapeescape.org.uk
• The Last Puff by Dr. Marc Picot

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