Battling addiction comes with a storm of challenges—withdrawals, anxiety, fatigue, hand-to-mouth habits, food cravings, and the overwhelming need to simply do something. When you’re trying to quit, sometimes you don’t need a replacement as much as a step-down—a meaningful, mindful pause between you and relapse.

For me, Hapé has become just that.

My addiction didn’t just revolve around substances. It began with the act of preparation. The process of getting ready to use was almost as addictive as the drug itself. That’s why Hapé works so well for me. Preparing it for ingestion is calming, intentional, and even fun. You have to be careful not to waste the product, which encourages mindfulness and presence. There’s also a kind of artistry to it. You use a beautifully crafted tool called a kuripe to self-administer the powder. There are different flavors and strengths to choose from, which adds a personal, even enjoyable, layer to the experience.

If you’re someone with a high tolerance—someone who used to need large amounts of your drug of choice—Hapé can still offer a fulfilling experience. It delivers a noticeable shift without harmful side effects or a “high” that leads to more cravings..

If I start to feel like I want to smoke a cigarette, I say no—and use the Hapé instead. After using it, it’s almost impossible to even want a cigarette. For heavy smokers, it can relieve cravings for up to an hour or more, which makes a big difference in staying on track. Hapé is also a natural appetite suppressant. I don’t get the munchies or crave candy the way I used to. That’s important, because people coming off drugs often struggle with weight gain. With Hapé, there’s no added weight to worry about. It’s made from a fine tobacco powder—a real, natural substance with no chemicals or artificial ingredients. That said, it’s not perfect. Hapé can be a little messy, and over time, the process can feel like a chore. But for what it gives me in return, it’s absolutely worth it.

There are spiritual groups and Indigenous traditions that use Hapé as it was originally intended—as part of ceremony and sacred healing practices. I want to be clear that I mean no disrespect to those traditions or to any religion that incorporates Hapé in a ceremonial way. That said, I truly believe that Hapé has potential as a supportive tool in addiction recovery. While it should always be used with respect and intention, I think there’s value in introducing Hapé in a clinical or therapeutic setting—not to replace traditional methods, but to complement them. For those struggling with cravings, oral fixation, or withdrawal, Hapé offers a natural, grounding, and ritualistic alternative that can help bridge the gap between addiction and healing.

Important Note: Hapé is a tobacco product, so you must be 21 or older to use it legally.

I’ve seen people purge while using Hapé. It naturally clears the nasal passages, and sometimes mucus buildup in the throat can trigger a gag reflex or even vomiting. For some, this physical reaction is seen as more than just clearing the sinuses—it’s called a purge, and many interpret it as releasing negative energy or emotional blockages. In some spiritual traditions, purging is part of the healing process.

Personally, I’ve experienced emotional purging through other forms of plant medicine, but I’ve never purged while using Hape`. That said, I absolutely love this plant. It has been a powerful ally in my journey toward balance, and I truly believe in the healing potential it holds for others walking the same path.

How to Use Hape`